UAE | Government
Identity cards needed by end of the year
Professional expatriates who do not obtain the new identity card by the end of the year may face a suspension in transactions and dealing with governmental and semi-governmental bodies, said a senior official at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
- By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:45 October 21, 2008
Dubai: Professional expatriates who do not obtain the new identity card by the end of the year may face a suspension in transactions and dealing with governmental and semi-governmental bodies, said a senior official at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
Darwish Ahmad Al Zarouni, Director General of EIDA, told Gulf News that the authority is under discussion with relevant government bodies to consider suspending some service to professional expatriates.
"Services we are looking at suspending will include driving licence renewals and renewal of vehicle registration," said Al Zarouni.
The deadline to register for the card for professional expatriates and all nationals is December 31 2008.
The authority defines professionals as holders of bachelor degrees or higher qualifications. They also include: consultants, medical doctors, engineers, journalists, teachers, IT professionals and accountants. Blue collar workers will be given until the end of 2010 to register for the card.
However, the suspension of services by next January will be applied to all UAE nationals who have not obtained identity card. Bank transactions will also be suspended for Emiratis, according to Al Zarouni.
Earlier on Tuesday, Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, Planning Director at the authority, said in a press gathering that expatriates will face a suspension in bank transactions and all governmental services if they do not obtain the cards by the end of the year.
Penalties by banks
"A circular has been sent two months ago from the UAE Central bank to banks informing them not to provide any services for Emiratis and professional expatriates who do not produce the card as identification," said Al Qasemi.
Details: Registration centres
Applicants can fill in the registration form at www.emiratesid.ae and print it out to submit it at any of the 24 registration centres in the country.
Customers without access to the internet can approach typing centres at the registration centres to prepare the application forms.
To find out the locations and opening times of the centres and documents required visit the website or call the EIDA call centre at 600 523 432.
Are you aware of the need for an ID card? Have you registered for the service? Did you face any problems? If yes, what were they? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
How much does it cost? who will do the process-Employer or Employee?
All the members in the expatriate family need to take identity card, or is required only for the sponsor in the family? These items are not yet cleared.
Kannan
Abudhabi,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 11:29
Already been trying for more then 2 hours to register.
When I have to fill in my Location, and I enter Dubai I can not select something in the menu (it is all Abu Dhabi Area).. Website is too slow! And I guess the cue in the service centers are to long!
In my opinion we will have time till end of 2009.
Bart
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 11:03
Are you sure that the deadline is 31st of December 2008?? Bcs I heared on the radio that its 2010. Do I have to do it or will my employer get the card for me? Do I pay for it or my employer? How long does it take to get it?
Maksud
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 11:02
Since mroning I have tried on the given number so many times but unfortunately nobody responded to my call. I was kept on hold for so long.
Jawaid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 11:00
I am trying to open this site to see the details and to download the application form to register. However it seems that the English version never comes out.
Abraham
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 10:42
I am a professional and i took the National ID card. My wife is not working. But she had a Bachelor Degree,Is she also required the ID card ?
Anu Krishnan
Dubai,India
Posted: October 22, 2008, 10:41
EIDA website is mostly not working, I am trying again and again to download the form. I am working in construction field and its very hard for me to leave my work place first to get forms and then submit them back.
NASIR
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 10:34
hi,..im from India and working here in UAE for last 3 years.i am working as a Purchase officer and having employment visa in Hamariya Free Zone, sharjah.is it necessary that i have to take this ID card?
VINOD
um al qwain,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2008, 10:08
Share this article
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Parking free in Dubai on holidays
- For many, it's business as usual
- Careers off the beaten track
- Notes in Brief
- Seeking solutions through debate
- Arabian Horse Foundation honours Swayze
- Emirati students to be chosen for German internship
- Residency section clears 6,000 cases
- Residents opt for other gifts as gold soars
- UAE residents spend hours trying to cross into Oman
- Traditional theme at Etihad celebrations
- Dubai in for breezy conditions
- The true meaning of festival of sacrifice
- Maguindanao massacre victims remembered
- Rulers exchange Eid greetings
Community Reports
-
School buses must do safe drop-offs
Some bus drivers let students off at the wrong side of the road
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
