Technophobes can also acquire an identity card

Abu Dhabi: Residents lacking internet skills no longer need to depend on others to obtain an identity card.

Previously, residents were required to fill in forms on the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) website to obtain a card, which can also be used as multipurpose smartcard. Now, EIDA will open typing offices at its registration centres to help technophobe applicants.

The typing offices have been set up to help applicants to fill in and print out application forms to register with the Population Registry Programme for an identity card, said an official.

Enhanced service

EIDA has signed a contract with the On Time Documents Services company to provide this new service, said Mohammad Swayeh Al Khaili, Director of the Registration Centres Department at EIDA. "EIDA introduced this new service as part of its policy to enhance its services and gain customers satisfaction through provision of printing offices at all the permanent and temporary registration centres all over the country."

Al Khaili said the service costs Dh40. He said it is still possible to complete the registration form on EIDA's website (www.emiratesid.ae) and print it out before going to a service centre to finalise the remaining registration procedures such as data verification, photos, signature and fingerprints.

"The main objective for this service is to facilitate the registration process for citizens who don't have access to the authority's website," said Al Khalili.

Integrated card

It is mandatory for all Emiratis to have an identity card, and EIDA will start issuing cards to expatriates this year, for whom it will also be mandatory. The cards can be used as a travel document in the GCC in place of a passport. It will eventually replace driving licences, labour, residency and health cards and act as an ATM card. EIDA said that E-gate facilities will be added.

Meanwhile, EIDA has opened a new registration centre in Al Dhaid, Sharjah.

For information about the location of registration centres, the mobile registration service and for other information call 600 523 432.