There is no question that the idea behind introducing a unified identity card that allows people to use it to process all transactions is beneficial, especially in a country like the UAE where personal documents such as passports and driving licences are crucial for many transactions . Hence, the principle behind the identity cards issued by the Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) is meant to facilitate transactions and avoid bureaucratic hassles.
Recently, Eida said that government and banking services will soon be denied to those who have not yet obtained identity cards. Yet in order to get the entire population registered, all departments should adopt a unified stance when it comes to the use of these cards in transactions. In addition, procedures should be simplified such as having expired identity cards renewed alongside the visa. The purpose of introducing the cards is simple and hence, should not become a complicated matter.
