One card to rule them all

Starting July 2010, national identity cards, labor cards and residency permits will merge into a single card, reducing the bureaucratic hell residents endure to become legal in this country, reported The National on Tuesday, citing the acting director of the Emirates Identity Authority.

Ali al-Khouri told the paper: “There are too many hurdles for people to go through when they come and settle in the country. This new process will consolidate three major steps into one.”

Today, residents need to fill out three application forms and pay three different fees to get their papers sorted. “That’s too much,” said al-Khouri.

The new system will require applicants to visit a government office and complete only one form. After their medical tests, applicants would need to return to the government office and get an appointment to pick up their card.

Al-Khouri said: “We will start with newcomers as it is more practical. They will be required to fill one application form and make one payment. So when they go to [...] get tested, they will have their fingerprints taken, iris scan and facial biometrics.”