Expediting ID card procedures

The reasoning behind the benefits of having a National ID card are sound: they have not been disputed, but the constant procedural glitches must be ironed out swiftly. The argument for having an ID card is firm: it would make life secure for all. It would also be a unified form of identification, helping individuals expedite formalities like immigration, banking and licensing, among other benefits. But if people still have not got one, or have decided not to, then the Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) must take a look at their complex administrative and organisational processes which have impeded this process.

Over and above having an ID card every expatriate in the country lives here on the basis of a resident visa which is renewable. Linking the processing of the ID card to the visa, when it is renewed, should help in eventually erasing the huge backlog. The Authority has repeatedly announced new procedures which have been followed by those conscientious enough, but also ignored by a number of residents. The constant announcing and extension of deadlines has not worked. The reimbursement of ID card fines to expatriates living in free zones is one such glitch that must also be addressed soon. The authorities must show that they at least have a workable Plan B and are capable of appropriate and sensible solutions to constant irritants.