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Dubai Guide

Residency visa stickers will be replaced with the Emirates ID

Residency visa stickers will be replaced with the Emirates ID

Expatriates in the UAE will soon no longer require residency visas to be stamped on their passports.

This will be applicable for residency documents issued after April 11.

A circular issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security noted that residents’ Emirates ID would count as their residency. The ID contains all relevant residency-related information.

Airlines will be able to verify residency through residents’ Emirates ID and passport number.

The move aims to upgrade the services offered to the people in the country and is based on a Cabinet resolution issued earlier this year.

A Residency visa is a sticker stamped on expatriates’ passports after they undergo a medical test. It’s issued for two-, three-, five or 10-year periods, depending on the visa a resident has.

The move comes after a “new generation” of Emirates IDs was revealed last August.

UAE's 'new generation' Emirates ID
UAE’s ‘new generation’ Emirates ID

The enhanced card has a string of new features such as non-visible data and increased service life of more than 10 years.

It includes a 3D picture using laser-printing technology to show the date of birth of the cardholder.

It was launched as part of an ongoing project to revamp identification cards and Emirati passports.

Authorities have already started to roll out the new card.

It is a legal requirement for all citizens and residents to possess an Emirates ID.

The card has a unique number assigned to the holder and it is used to access everything from government services to smart travel gates at airports.

Last June, officials said residents applying for their Emirates ID or renewing the card could use a digital copy until they received the physical version.

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