Congratulations on your decision to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE, a country formed from a federation of 7 emirates namely Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah as well as Umm Al Quwain, is a popular destination for Indian job seekers and those seeking to take up residence there. Indians need a visa to enter the UAE and those who are planning to take up residence need an Emirates ID Card.
What is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is an identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). It is issued according to statutory requirements, and it is compulsory for all citizens and expatriate residents of the UAE to apply for it and carry it on their person at all times.
The ICP has made it illegal for anyone to seize or take possession of the Emirates ID belonging to someone else. This means that companies may only use the personal data of their employees from their Emirates ID cards and cannot, under any circumstances, take possession of the card. Violations of this rule may be referred to the judicial authorities in the UAE.
The Emirates ID card has an identification number on it, which is known as the identity number. This 15-digit number is unique to every person and is allotted to you forever. Physically, the Emirates ID card has a machine-readable electronic chip carrying personal information, including the biometric data of the holder. Your data in the Emirates ID card is secured by state-of-the-art technology with 9 security features, and the security and encryption standards are on par with those used by banks for their debit and credit cards.
Indians need to get their Emirates ID renewed only if their UAE residence visa is renewed or reissued.
Why is Emirates ID Important?
The Emirates ID is a mandatory document and is important as it is used for the following purposes:
Getting access to government services like employment, healthcare and education services.
Participating in voting in elections of the Federal National Council.
It is a travel document that may be exclusively used to travel to other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries without the necessity of your passport.
Applying for a driving licence in any country within the UAE.
Accessing banking and financial services. An Emirates ID is a compulsory document in the UAE for opening your bank account and gaining access to other financial services.
Passing through the eGates and the smart gates in the immigration section in various airports in the UAE. It is also used to access certain government buildings.
What are the Steps Involved in Applying for an Emirates ID Card? How Much Time Does Each Step Take?
There are a few simple steps to apply for an Emirates ID card. You may apply for it yourself online and pay the cost yourself, or you may also seek professional help, thereby saving your effort and time.
Application Process | Details | Turn Around Time |
Application for Emirates ID card | You may apply for your new Emirates ID card at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security website – ICP: https://icp.gov.ae/en/ or at Customer Happiness Centres located across the UAE or at accredited typing centres. | Submission of Application Online: |
Payment of Fees | You need to pay the fees for the Emirates ID. The fees you need to pay are available on the ICP website. However, the fees vary as per the following factors:
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Submission of Documents | Generally, you need to submit the following documents along with your application. In the case of online applications, you need to upload or attach scanned copies of these documents:
The exact documents available under different circumstances are available on the ICP website. If you are applying for an Emirates ID for the first time, you need to visit an ICP service centre to have your biometric data captured and your photograph taken. | Approval of Documents and your Biometrics: |
Checking of Application Status | You may check the status of your application online from the ICP website. Your application number is required for this. | Processing of Your Application and Physical Production of Your ID Card: |
Collection or Delivery | Once your Emirates ID card is printed, you will receive a notification vide a text message (sms) or email. You may collect your card from the Emirates Post Office you have mentioned in your application form. | Notification to Applicant for Collection or Delivery: Collection or Delivery: |
Who Can Help You in Making an Emirates ID?
In case you face any difficulty in your online application, you may visit a typing centre or a Customer Happiness Centre of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security – ICP. There are several such centres across all the 7 GCC countries. The ICP also provides help to applicants by providing support over the telephone via a customer service hotline and has a provision for support over email. The ICP also has a smart app to assist applicants.
Conclusion
The Emirates ID card is much more than just an identification document. It is a key requirement for smooth life in the UAE and is required to initiate all major processes and procedures. Ensure accuracy in all the steps of your application to get your card at the earliest. The Emirates ID card is an integral part of your life in the UAE, and you must always safeguard it.
