UAE National ID cards - what is going on?

courtesy:7Days

Identity cards - do we need them or not?

That’s the question residents are asking as confusion surrounds access to vital services in the UAE.

Panicked people have flocked to Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) centres across the country this week after the Ministry 

of Interior announced that the cards would be required from now on to access any official services, including registering 

vehicles and opening bank accounts.

However, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) told 7DAYS yesterday it still has not received any official communication from the ministry on the issue and Dubai-based banks were also continuing to allow customers to open accounts without producing an ID card this week.

Ahmad Hashim Al Behroozian, Chief Executive Officer of the Licensing Agency at the RTA, said it was business as usual.

“We will implement any changes only after carefully studying any directives and how it is going to impact our customers,” said Behroozian.

A customer service operator at Emirates NBD said: “You don’t need an identity card to open an account.”

However, an official from the authority at the EIDA office in Karama told 7DAYS: “Government and banking transactions 

will be stopped if people do not show an ID card.”  He added: “Everyone should have one now.”

One person who was waiting to apply for a card in Karama said: “The entire process is too demanding for busy professionals. I am not sure whether it is mandatory to have a card or not. There are different statements on the issue.

My request to authorities is to simplify the process and make it less complicated.”

Despite repeated attempts by 7DAYS over many weeks to gain answers on the ID card situation, no one from EIDA has been available to answer our questions.

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Frustration grows over new system

Applicants are turned away from Dubai centres

People have been rushing to Emirates Identity Card (EIDA) centres across the UAE amid confusion over whether they immediately require the card to access services.

Long queues have formed at centres nationwide and frustrated folk have been turned away in Dubai and told to return the following day because centre officials cannot deal with the demand.

An Indian man who was at the Karama centre yesterday said he was told to go back there today as there were no appointments available. “It would have been easy if the process had got over in a day. I feel frustrated that I have to come to the centre again and again,” he said.

An official at the centre said people needed to get up early to avoid rush. “7am is the best time to come down here and try to secure an appointment,” he said.

But he also pointed to the EIDA web site and told people to visit there first to get more information on how to apply for an ID card.

“If people don’t get an appointment at one centre, they should approach another one. There are a number of ID centres in Dubai and Sharjah,” said the official.

A Dubai-based public relations officer told 7DAYS she was frustrated that she had been unable to secure an appointment to obtain a card.

“I have tried to get an appointment online, but in vain. I am yet to apply for an ID because of lack of proper information. There should also be more centres for processing applications,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi it was reported that the traffic department had set up a tent equipped with registration devices to allow motorists to sign up for the ID card to help speed up the process so they can then register or renew vehicles immediately by producing a receipt for the card.

Seven identity cards facts

What is the Identity Card?

The ID card is mandatory for each national or expat over the age of 15. It is expected that the ID card will, later, replace all currently applicable other identification means such as labour permit, health card, driving license, etc.

Where can people apply for an ID card?

Enrollment is available through EIDA’s registration centres around the UAE. These centres operate from Sunday to Thursday. 

There is a centre in Karama Central Post Building, next to Dubai Municipality, and one behind Al Rashidiya Council Building. There is also a centre next to Jebel Ali horse racing track or you can visit the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department at Al Jafelia, next to the police station. Maps, opening times and directions are available on the EIDA web site or from the call centres. Each emirate has its own registration centres.

What are the documents required for enrollment?

UAE nationals: Application form and original valid passport, along with an original family book and parent’s family book (optional and aimed at electronically connecting the family tree).

Expats: Application form and a valid original passport including residence visa.

What information does the card contain?

The ID card comes with a personal ID number which is linked to your file. The microchip contains your photo, name, date of birth, gender, nationality, mother’s name, marital status, entry information, fingerprint, an electronic certification for authenti-cation and an e-signature. It also holds the details of your sponsor, and the number and expiry date of your residence permit.

What are the charges for card enrollment?

UAE Nationals, dhs100. Residents dhs100 for a year’s residence, dhs200 for two-year residence, dhs300 for three-year residence. GCC residents, dhs100 per year depending on the chosen period. However, five years is the maximum validity time for the ID card.

 

Does the card expire?

The card is valid for the same length of time as your residency visa, ie one, two or three years.

Can I use the ID card instead of a passport?

Only UAE nationals can use the card to commute between GCC countries without the need for showing a passport.