Emirates opens new EIDA registration centre

 

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA), which is responsible for rolling out the UAE’s Population Register Project and new ID card system, has opened a new registration centre at the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority (Tanmia)’s headquarters in Al Nahda, Dubai.

Speaking to local reporters at the opening of the centre, H.E. Dr Al Ka’abi, UAE Minister of Labour and chairman, Board of Trustees of Tanmia, said: “The Population Register Project and the ID Card system are among the most important initiatives in the UAE, which is setting an excellent example for other regional governments.”

The EIDA says that registration of expatriate employees in the government sector and large companies has already started to take place. Registration of all remaining expats will begin in May 2008.

The ID cards being issued by EIDA feature a number of applications including an ePassport function to enable transport to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It will also eventually replace drivers licenses, residency, employment and health cards, and will even act as an ATM card.