In a significant development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new service that enables individuals residing outside the country to renew their Emirates ID card and passport remotely. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has launched this highly anticipated service, granting global access to document renewal through their dedicated smart application.
To benefit from this convenient service, applicants must personally apply for the transaction using the authority’s smart application, ensuring their ownership of the documents. This important condition is in place to safeguard the integrity and security of the renewal process.
Nasser Ahmed Al-Abdouli, the Director of Customer Happiness Management at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, provided insights into the process of renewing Emirati ID cards from abroad. He emphasized that the authority now exclusively offers the renewal service through their smart application. Notably, if the request is submitted through printing centers or by someone other than the transaction owner within the UAE, the application will be rejected if it is discovered that the person is outside the country.
During an interview with ‘Noor Dubai’ radio, Al-Abdouli explained the steps involved in renewing ID cards from overseas. He stated that individuals residing outside the UAE can access the authority’s smart application on their mobile phones. By selecting the service for renewing ID cards from abroad, applicants can seamlessly submit their application, make the necessary payment, and complete the transaction.
To ensure the acceptance of personal photos submitted through their smart systems, the authority has outlined nine specific criteria. These standards, applicable to applicants of all ages, include wearing the official attire of the United Arab Emirates, allowing head coverings as per customs and traditions, using a white background, providing a high-quality and recent colored photo (35-40 mm) taken within the last six months, positioning the head straight and parallel to the camera lens, maintaining a neutral facial expression, keeping both eyes open and facing the camera without colored contact lenses, ensuring glasses do not obstruct the eyes or cause reflections, and submitting an image with a resolution of at least 600 dots per inch, free from ink marks or wrinkles.
The authority strongly urges all customers to verify the accuracy and validity of their ID numbers and expiration dates when applying for renewal or replacement. Additionally, it is essential to review and confirm the correctness of the data entered in the electronic form before making the payment to avoid any processing delays. Individuals are also advised to ensure the accuracy of their phone numbers, email addresses, and preferred delivery methods indicated in the electronic form.
With the launch of this service, the UAE empowers its citizens abroad to easily renew their Emirates ID card and passport, regardless of their location. This forward-thinking initiative enhances convenience, efficiency, and accessibility for individuals requiring document renewal while residing outside the country’s borders.
