Opinions | City Talk
Confusion reigns in UAE over identity cards
The new identity cards are apparently confusing many simply because it contains the word "national".
- Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:47 August 30, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Mohammad Al Zeghaty is not aware of where to get a identity card.
Dubai/ Abu Dhabi/ Fujairah: The new identity cards are apparently confusing many simply because it contains the word "national".
A large proportion of residents said they thought the identity card was only applicable to Emiratis and were unaware that expatriates would also need to obtain one. Everybody agreed there was not enough awareness on the topic.
In a recent Gulf News poll, 55 per cent of respondents said they were not aware of the need to get an identity card, while the remaining 45 per cent said they were.
UAE residents who do not have the new cards by the end of 2010 will be considered illegal and their employers will be penalised.
The identity cards will be required for governmental, semi-governmental and banking transactions by the 2010 deadline, according to the Emirates Identity Authority.
City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if they were aware of the card and whether they knew what the repercussions were for not acquiring one, and if they will register for it soon.
Ana Cabrera, counter photographer from the Philippines, 39, said: "I did not know that expatriates needed to get one, but it is a very good idea because if you get into an accident all your details will be on the card. I do not think I will get one soon because right now I know very little about it. I think the company I work for will be responsible to provide the identity card for all its employees, so I will not have to worry about that."
Gibril Al Badr, Jordanian optician, 30, said: "I read about the ID card but did not know that it was for all residents. I will wait to get more information before I apply for one. I do not know how much it costs or what will happen to me if I do not get one, and I do not know where I can get it from."
Mohammad Al Zeghaty, Senior Relationship Officer, Egypt, 28, said: "I read on a bulletin board in front of a mall that both expatriates and Emiratis should carry an identification card from now on. I know your residency permit wouldn't be renewed if you do not have an identification card so I will be registering very soon. But there's no campaign to tell us about procedures. My question is where do you get the identification card from? The information provided is too vague and I do not know what documents I have to bring with me."
Filipina Myrna San Pedro, working in the service industry, has read about the need to carry an identification card. She said: "I read about it briefly in the newspaper but I thought it was applicable only to Emiratis. I do not know much about the card, but would like to. I think it is a great initiative to have your own ID card and hope to register for it soon, but how? I would love to know more about the procedures, who can I ask?"
Tarek Khalifa, consultant from Germany, 30, said: "Yes, I am aware of it. I know that I will be limited in my banking transactions in the future, renewing my driving license or any governmental transactions if I do not have the identification card. From my understanding, the employer should be taking care of providing his employees with the IDs and registering on their behalf. It is their responsibility I think, not that of individuals."
Hilda Bullecer, a Filipina technician, 34, said: "There are not enough advertisements to inform us that we need to have one in the first place. I had no idea that expatriates needed to get one, I thought it was only for Emiratis."
Dr Mohammad Jaafar Kisha, Sudanese general practitioner, 31, said: "I have some background information, but not in detail, about the ID cards. I have not read much about it and I do not know the timetable for registration. Neither I, nor my colleagues, have been briefed about this, even though I work in the Government sector, and therefore should have better access to such information."
Prashanthan V., 27, shop worker from India, said: "I have not heard anybody talking about the ID cards, so I do not know anything about the subject and I do not think many people do. If it is an important issue there should be more information and I will now try to find our more about this."
Mohammad Lalamya, public relations officer from Bangladesh, 36, said: "I do not know anything about the ID cards and was not informed by anybody. Whatever the procedure, it will not be a problem and I will register as soon as possible but I need to know more about the issue first."
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