Dubai: The Emirates Identity Authority has urged Dubai residents to honour the deadline of May 31 to register for their Emirates Identity Cards as fines will be subsequently imposed on people who fail to do so.
"The deadline is final and no further grace period will be given," Aisha Al Rayesi, Project Manager, Planning and Quality at Emirates ID, told Gulf News.
A fine of Dh20 per day up to a maximum amount of Dh1,000 will be imposed on those who fail to register within the given time.
Children
"The Cabinet announced this deadline in decree number 25 issued in 2011. The deadline for children below the age of 15 will be October 1. People need to cooperate and respect this deadline," she added.
This applies to both Emiratis and expatriates. Residents whose visas expire before December 31 are exempt from this deadline, on the condition that they register as soon as they renew their visas.
"This exception reduces the burden on those whose residency expires by the end of 2012, so they do not have to go through the procedure and pay twice," Aisha said.
In order to make the process even more convenient, the authorities have opened Emirates ID centres at medical centres in at least six locations — Al Baraha, Muhaisnah, Satwa, Al Quoz, Jafza and Knowledge Village — in addition to three permanent centres at Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya and Karama.
"As medical fitness tests are prerequisite to obtain residency, applicants need to fill application forms online or at typing centres, do the medical check-up and apply for their ID cards at the same location," she explained.
She said that the Emirates Identity Authority will not deliver ID cards until residencies are issued by the authorities.
The authority has also called on people to avoid waiting until the last moment to avoid the rush.
Increase
"There is an increase in the number of applications as the deadline approaches but the process is ongoing without delays as applicants were requested to set up appointments in advance to complete the procedure," Aisha said.
The Muhaisnah centre was recently opened with the ability to serve up to 3,000 applicants, operating 24 hours a day.
This increased the potential to support up to 13,500 applications per day through the six centres across Dubai.
