Reimbursement of ID card fines expected to take time

Abu Dhabi: Although the Emirates Identity Authority (Emirates ID) exempted expatriates working for private companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai free zones from paying fines, those who had already done so may have to wait a while for any possible reimbursements.

An Emirates ID spokesman told Gulf News: "We are looking into the matter and will announce the details soon."

The Emirates ID spokesman revealed that very few people had paid the fines since January 1 but did not reveal their numbers. However, Gulf News has learnt that the reimbursement process is complex and may take time.

Gulf News reported yesterday that Emirates ID had extended the deadline for expatriates working for free zone private companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to March 31 and May 31, respectively.

Emirates ID started imposing fines on expatriates in this category from January 1, 2012, for the delayed registration and renewal of ID cards. Expatriates in the government and semi-government sectors across the country were also fined.

The fine stands at Dh20 per day, and peaks at a maximum of Dh1,000.

Gulf News took up the grievances of many expatriates, working in free zones, who had to pay fines.

"I was asked to pay Dh460 fine but I was waiting after taking it up with Gulf News. The reprieve is really welcome news, which will benefit thousands of expatriates employed with private companies in free zones," Ambuj Tripathi, a management consultant and trainer at the Knowledge Village in Dubai, said.

Sajeer Asooty, 26, a salesman at a grocery in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, paid Dh380 in fines and complained that it was huge amount for a low-income worker like him.

"I know many low-income workers who earn less than Dh1,000 a month but paid half a month's salary as fines. I think we all can get our money back soon," he said.