The Emirates Identity Authority has issued fresh deadlines for Emiratis and expatriates to apply for ID cards. But this time it has also warned that fines will be levied on those who miss the deadlines. The Authority has made numerous changes in the application system since it first launched the card to make it easier for applicants.
The appointment system has ensured that an applicant spends only a few minutes at the centre as most of the paperwork is done at the typing centre.
Residents should now make the most of the time at hand and apply for the ID cards at the earliest rather than wait till the eleventh hour or till they are fined. Doing so now will not only ensure that residents receive their cards well on time, but will also lighten the burden on the identity authority and Emirates Post.
On its part, the authority must now take active steps to integrate various services into the identity card, so that residents begin to use it. Over time, it should also take steps for the seamless renewal of the card along with residence visas.
