Dubai: The rush at typing centres has eased on Sunday morning, following the announcement of the extension of the deadline to obtain the ID card.
However, those unaware of the extension continued to pour in typing centres to get their registration processed.
On Saturday, the Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) announced their decision to extend the deadline for ID registration for Emiratis and expatriates.
Emiratis have until June 30, 2011 to register. For expatriates, no specific deadline has been announced. There was also no announcement on penalties for those who would fail to meet the deadline.
A reminder by Eida two weeks ago about the December 31 deadline for expatriates to register for ID cards had resulted in a mad rush in front of typing centres.
Applicants are to complete their pre-registration at typing centres before heading to Eida offices to obtain their cards.
Following the unprecedented rush and chaos, Eida's board of directors decided not to insist on the December 31 deadline.
"I am very happy that the deadline has been extended," said Aswathy Mohanan, who was in queue in front of a typing centre on Sunday morning.
"But I would like to complete the process and get rid of the headache," she added.
A Chinese woman employed with a store said she did not know of the deadline, but will continue to complete the procedure since she already stood in line for two hours on Sunday.
Officials have urged residents to complete their registrations at the earliest and not to wait for the deadline.
