New Emirates ID rules replacing residency visas come into effect

Sticker with person’s residency details will no longer take up page in their passport

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  The new Emirates ID looks like this. Stan Cooper / The National

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  And these are the new features it includes. Stan Cooper / The National

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  The card includes a 3D picture. The date of birth of the cardholder is visible, and there is enhanced protection of non-visible data. Employment information can also be stored. Victor Besa / The National

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  If your Emirates ID has expired you can download a digital version. Services and businesses have been instructed to accept it everywhere. Victor Besa / The National

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  A copy of the EID can be downloaded using the UAE Pass app, available on the Apple and Android stores. Victor Besa / The National

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  You can also get a digital ID via the ICA UAE Smart app, which can be downloaded free from the Apple and Android stores. Victor Besa / The National

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  The first recipients of the new cards will be those whose current Emirates ID has expired, as well as those requesting replacements for lost or damaged cards. Victor Besa / The National

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  The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Building in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Emirates ID cards have now officially replaced residency visa stickers.

The change came into force on Monday. The sticker with a person’s residency details will no longer take up a page in their passport.

Instead, all details will be stored on the Emirates ID card.

The change merges residence and identity card applications, instead of processing them separately.

This has a number of benefits.

What are the advantages?

Anyone applying for a new residency visa used to have to submit their passport to have the sticker applied. In some cases, it took weeks for that process to be completed.

The new rule means people will not be separated from their passport and will therefore be able to travel abroad.

It also cuts paperwork, as well as the time it takes to process applications.

What does this mean for travel?

Airports will be able to verify people’s residency status via their Emirates ID cards and passport number.

Smart gates at airports in the UAE now also accept biometric passports. If you are registered for the smart gates, you can pass through by simply looking at the green light on top of the camera to verify your biometrics.

Who does this change affect?

Any foreign resident applying for an Emirates ID, either new or renewal.

The card, which contains an ID number unique to each cardholder, is used to access government and smart gate services to speed up travel at airports.

The Emirates ID card has received an upgrade.

New cards include a 3D picture, showing the date of birth of the cardholder, along with enhanced protection of “non-visible data” and a longer service life of more than 10 years.

They also store additional data, such as employment information.