Living In UAE

5 things to do to fast track your Emirates ID application

Follow these guidelines to make sure you do not face any delays.

Published: December 27, 2023 18:58 Zainab Husain, Features Writer

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Dubai: If you are applying for your Emirates ID, it is important to remember to follow the process and requirements carefully, to make sure you do not face any delays in the delivery of this essential document. — Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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The Emirates ID has become the primary proof of identity for residents in the UAE and on Tuesday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), raised awareness on the five things you should keep in mind to receive your Emirates ID as soon as possible. — In April 2022, the UAE announced that residents no longer need to have a sticker on their passport to prove their residency status. Instead, the Emirates ID is now used as primary proof of an expatriate’s residency. Read more here: gulfnews.com/1.1652798426213 Image Credit: Clint Egbert/Gulf News

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“The application for the Emirates ID and residency visa is linked, and if all your documents and details are up to date, you can easily receive it within five to six working days,” Mohamed Shafi, manager at Access Typing Centre in Dubai, told Gulf News. — Read a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Emirates ID here: gulfnews.com/1.1663168084202 Image Credit: Archives

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1. Get your fingerprint scanned within 30 days from your application date If you are a new applicant, you must provide your biometric data, which includes fingerprint scanning. “Biometrics is compulsory for applicants above the age of 15 and for new residents. — Emirates ID applicants also need to undergo a medical fitness test. Read more here: gulfnews.com/1.1688480502727 Image Credit: Shutterstock

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“But in some cases, if more than 10 years have passed since you gave your biometric scan for the Emirates ID, you may be required to scan your fingerprint again. This process takes less than a day,” Shafi said. — At the time of applying for your visa and Emirates ID, you will be able to book an appointment at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre for fingerprint scanning. Read our guide here to find out the list of service centres: gulfnews.com/1.1660896206699). Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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While this process takes less than a day, you may face some delay if there is no immediate slot available for the biometric scan, according to Shafiq Muhammad, Chief Supervisor at Horizon Gate Government Transactions Centre. — Image Credit: Shutterstock

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“Sometimes, you will not get an appointment for the next day, because the slots are full. If that is the case, it might take an extra day or so for you to receive the Emirates ID,” he said. — If you are applying for the visa yourself, and not through a typing centre or agent, Shafiq explained that you can check the available dates for a biometric appointment online and reschedule, if needed. Image Credit: Gulf News

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“They can do this through the ICP website – smartservices.icp.gov.ae, or scan the Quick Response (QR ) code on their Emirates ID application form,” he added. — Image Credit: ICP

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2. Get health insurance coverage You may also need to first get your medical insurance policy in place, depending on which emirate your visa is issued from. — If you want to know how to get health insurance in the UAE, read our guide here: gulfnews.com/l1.1574540564021 Image Credit: Shutterstock

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In Abu Dhabi, for example, employers and sponsors are legally required to provide health insurance coverage to their employees and their families (one spouse and up to three children under 18 years). — Image Credit: Shutterstock

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In Dubai, health insurance is supposed to be provided by the sponsor. So, if your sponsor is your employer, they must procure a health insurance plan for you. But if you are sponsoring your family, it is your responsibility to provide health insurance. — To understand the health insurance policy for UAE residents, read our explainer here: gulfnews.com/1.1660141628210 Image Credit: Shutterstock

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3. Enter the correct contact details for the Emirates ID application According to experts, it is important to enter the correct mobile number and email address in the application, because ICP will contact customers to inform them about the status of their application and delivery details. — Once your Emirates ID is issued, you will receive an SMS from ICP to pick it up. Read here to find out more: gulfnews.com/1.1645704305977 Image Credit: Shutterstock

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5. Make sure your passport has a validity of six months For the application, you need to provide a copy of a passport with six months’ validity, according to ICP. — Image Credit: Stock

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