Coronavirus: Renewal of UAE driving licences, mobile phone services despite unpaid fines, expired documents

Eye tests not required to extend licenses, phones services will not be suspended even if identity documents are not renewed

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 15 AUGUST 2019. 

A man sends a whatsapp message.

(Photo: Reem Mohammed/The National)

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Driving licences can be renewed despite unpaid fines and mobile phones of UAE residents will not be cut off if identity documents have expired.

This is among several measures announced by the government on Friday to help residents cope during the coronavirus outbreak.

The federal government said will give some respite to UAE residents worried about meeting deadlines to renew documentation.

It comes as authorities urged social distancing and warned residents and citizens to stay home to slow the spread of the deadly pandemic.

The Ministry of Interior announced residents could apply online for a one-year renewal of driving licences that would expire over the next three months from March 29.

The renewals would be granted without the usual requirement of an eye test. Licenses would be extended despite fines and black points.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority asked network providers not to suspend or disconnect mobile services due to expiry of documents.

The regulator issued a notice to telecoms companies asking them to hold suspension and disconnection of mobile services in case of expiry of Emirates identity cards and other supporting documents needed to verify residency.

Authorities had earlier said workers and employees with expired residency permits were exempt from medical fitness tests and their visas would be automatically renewed.

This decision on residency visas was announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention along with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

"Work permits and residence visas would be issued and renewed automatically for labourers employed by companies and support staff such as domestic workers,” the state news agency Wam reported.