Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree establishing the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
The new entity merges the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Federal Customs Authority, and the General Authority of Ports, Borders and Free Zones Security.
The new entity will be responsible for regulating citizenship and passport related affairs, entry and residence of foreigners in the country, enhance the security of ports, borders and free zones and raising their efficiency and readiness.
The authority will also organise and manage customs work in accordance with global standards and security requirements.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security will suggest and develop policies, strategies and legislation related to identity, citizenship and passport affairs, entry and residence of foreigners, and the security of customs and ports.
The proposed policies and legislation will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The authority is tasked with establishing, developing and updating the population register and personal data in the country in compliance with the best practices.
Other roles include developing regulations, programmes and procedures to ensure the issuance of identity cards to all UAE citizens and residents.
The authority is also authorised with developing and unifying standards, requirements and procedures related to the security of ports, borders and free zones, raising the efficiency of their preparedness and enhancing their security capabilities.
It will also be responsible for managing ports, control and inspection of passengers; and cargo and goods movement through ports and free zones.
The authority is mandated to issue, renew, suspend and withdraw licences for ports and free zones after obtaining approval from the Cabinet.
It is mandated to suspend and close free zones and ports after approval from the Cabinet.
The authority is responsible for monitoring the implementation of international obligations and requirements in the security of ports, borders and free zones, including the adoption and implementation of standardisation rules for the specifications of devices used to inspect materials and goods imported and exported from the country, and transit goods.
The federal body is also dedicated to representing the UAE and joining or signing treaties and agreements with countries and GCC, regional and international organisations and bodies in the areas falling withing its competences.
