As an expatriate, you will need your Emirates ID as primary proof of residency and you will no longer need visa stickers in your passport. Changes have already came into effect from April 11, 2022. We've put together a quick guide on the Emirates ID to help you learn about the process as it gets clarified.
Read: How To Apply For An Emirates ID: All You Need To Know About Emirates ID 2022
New generation of Emirates IDs with a 10-year lifespan
ICP has announced plans to launch a new generation of Emirates IDs with a service life of over ten years in August 2021. This advanced version of your Emirates ID includes not only the information you want on your document - such as your personal and professional information, the issuing authority, and the population group - but also non-visible information that is protected by an enhanced security system, and that can be accessed through the ICP's 'e-link' program.
Additionally, the Emirates ID chip has a higher data capacity, allowing it to hold more information about the cardholder.
A digital Emirates ID is easy to use
The ICP had announced in June, 2021 the release of a digital version of Emirates IDs, which government departments could use if the cardholder had not yet received a physical copy of their Emirates ID. The ICP's smartphone application - ICPUAE - for Apple and Android devices can be easily downloaded to access the digital version of Emirates IDs.
Read: How To Download Digital Emirates ID And Residency Through ICA UAE App: UAE Pass
The app is free to download, and you only need to provide your Emirates ID number, passport number, and email address to set up your ICP account. After that, you can access the digital version of your Emirates ID, as well as the IDs of any family members you may sponsor.
How to update the mobile number linked with your Emirates ID
You might experience trouble getting verification codes on your phone if your Emirates ID was obtained through an agent or if you have changed your primary mobile number. OTPs are sent to users when they apply for certain government services, such as obtaining a birth certificate for a newborn or getting a degree attestation by MOFAIC. Your Emirates ID is paired with the mobile number registered with your account, so if you have difficulty receiving the verification codes, you can update the number.
Cardholders can update the details of their Emirates ID online through the ICP. You can read our detailed guide on how to change the number associated with your Emirates ID here.
Read: How To Change The Mobile Number Linked With The UAE Emirates ID Online
Transform your digital Emirates ID into a trusted digital document
Although you can present your digital Emirates ID for most verification procedures, some applications may require you to submit a physical copy of your Emirates ID. In these instances, the UAE government provides a digital service that converts digital documents into 'trusted documents' using blockchain technology to ensure that the digital document cannot be manipulated. You can follow the steps in our guide here to convert your Emirates ID into a digital trusted document.
Read: 'UAE Verify' Can Digitize Your Marriage Certificate, Passport, And Emirates ID
Updated photo requirements
As a reminder, the ICP has updated the photo requirements for the Emirates ID if you are applying for a new ID or re-newing one. Customer Happiness Department Director Nasser Ahmed Al Abdouli explained that if applicants are experiencing problems with their Emirates ID applications being rejected, it may be because the photograph does not meet the updated criteria. Guidelines for new photos include new photo dimensions, as well as instructions on head position and dress code. You can find more information here.
Read: Have You Applied For A UAE ID? Take A Look At The New Photo Requirements
You can use your Emirates ID as a health card
In addition to the information printed on the Emirates ID, there is a lot more information on the card. With the ICP's e-link system, several government departments and service providers have access to the cardholder's information. When visiting a hospital or clinic in an emergency, you can use your Emirates ID rather than your health insurance card, as they are linked in the online system. Due to the mandatory nature of health insurance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, obtaining health insurance is part of the application process. If you ever forget your health insurance card, don't worry, you can use your Emirates ID in place of it.
Simple immigration procedures
Even before Emirates ID was announced as the replacement for residence visa stickers, travelers were using Emirates IDs to easily pass through immigration checks. Residents of the UAE do not need to stand in line for immigration clearance since smart gates have been installed at UAE airports so residents can swipe their Emirates IDs instead.
Read: Emirates ID Will Serve As Your Residence Document: No UAE Visa Stamp On Your Passport