UAE | Government

Readers express concern over ID card deadline

Confusion over the significance of the new national identity card and its upcoming deadline has Gulf News readers concerned.

  • By Rabab Khan, Community Journalist
  • Published: 23:56 October 22, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Supplied Picture
  • It would be helpful if the authorities clarified what the significance of each card would be, once the deadline has passed, says Virendra Gujarathi, an Indian expatriate.

Dubai: Confusion over the significance of the new national identity card and its upcoming deadline has Gulf News readers concerned.

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) announced a December 31 deadline to register for identity cards and this rang alarm bells around the country.

Virendra Gujarathi, an Indian expatriate residing in Sharjah, said further clarification was required.

He compared the national identity card to the existing labour card and urged prioritising its importance for official work.

Gujrathi said: "It would be helpful if the authorities clarified what the significance of each card would be, once the deadline has passed."

According to Ala'a Al Ghazo, a Jordanian expatriate residing in Dubai, the national identity card has not yet gained focus in the workplace. He added that this was the "quiet before the storm".

Al Ghazo said: "If a new rule is implemented, everyone tends to discuss it. It is actually a little worrying to notice that people have not realised the importance of identity cards."

Suresh, a Gulf News reader, tried to register for the card by logging onto EIDA's official website.

He said: "The EIDA website seems to be extremely busy. The home page takes very long to load and it is impossible to actually register."

Timing was also an issue for those who tried to register. Sandeep Benjamin said that evening services would help ease the process for working expatriates.

However, a few residents were optimistic about the national identity card.

Kavitha Panicker, an Indian expatriate and lawyer, said she had heard of the card and was not surprised to hear about the deadline.

She said: "I believe these identity cards are a necessity, since the system will now be entirely integrated. It is a good idea to have a unified card."

Have you tried to register for the National Identity card? What problems did you face? Have you been able to log on to the website? Are you aware of the requirements for the identity card? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

Your comments


This system of having one unified card is good instead of the purse filled with so many cards. Second, Gulf news I remember in one of its stories the Uae Govt stresses the Employers to spend for these cards to all their employees and ensure the same. Now this deadline is very short and will the govt make clear should the employees or the employers should spend for the same and make it clear. Many thanks in advance.
Arasan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 12:09

Well I have just read about the card on the news, I am not aware of the requirements for the identy card .
Fozia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 11:59

Could not get on site after 3 tries.
Vic
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 11:52

I already heard about the ID Card since April 2008.As soon I heard of it I tried to apply, but the authorities told me that only first nationals are able to apply and as I am a foreigner I should come back in June 2008. I waited till June and still it was not possible to register. They told me now only foreigners who are working for the government are able to register and for all other foreigners. Since that I lost track and I also never heard about it that all other foreigners were able to register since July. Now I am in the same situation like everyone else dealing with busy call center and slow website. In my opinion there was a big lack of communication to the people and should be better organized so everyone is awared of it. In total the idea of having the ID Card is very good as I know this from my home country with the only differences it is only for locals and not foreigners.
Sascha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 11:50

When the Gulf News published an article about the EIDA registration, I made an appointment that day, went the next day, and got my card delivered to my residence the next. I also urged my employees to get it done since the law had been in place and the original deadline had passed. Now we sit with our cards and will watch the panic ensue when the people figure out that the government of the UAE is not kidding.
Fred
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: October 23, 2008, 11:13

I AM WORKING AS A MANAGER AND HAVING LABOUR CARD. I AM OVER 60YEARS AND VISA EXPIRES ON DEC08. IT IS NECESSARY I HAVE TO GO FOR THE NATIONAL IDENTY CARD?
SYED
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 11:08

2 hours so far trying to access the English page of the EIDA website - when I do get through I cant download the application form without getting thrown out of the site! how can the authorities do this without adequate resources to cope with the demand?
Darren
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2008, 10:18

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