UAE streamlines passport, ID issuance, and renewal to single step, officials confirm

UAE Authority Streamlines Passport and ID Services for Enhanced Efficiency

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced on Wednesday a significant overhaul in the process for issuing passports for Emiratis, as well as Emirates ID cards and residency permits for expatriates. Previously, these services required navigating through four steps, but now they have been condensed into a single streamlined process, aiming to enhance efficiency and convenience for customers.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitious Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, which aims to simplify and optimize governmental processes for the benefit of citizens and residents alike. As part of this effort, the application process has been greatly simplified, with several fields being eliminated from the service requests. Specifically, for passport services, four out of ten fields have been removed, while for ID card and residence permit services, six fields have been eliminated. Moreover, the customer’s last registered address is now displayed, and all remaining fields are automatically filled out, adhering to the principle of requesting data only once.

Attachments required for these services have also been significantly reduced. Notably, the personal photo attachment is no longer necessary for passport services, and for ID card and residence permit services, all three main attachments, including the passport attachment, the summary of registration for citizens, and the personal photo, have been eliminated. Instead, data and photos are retrieved from the systems, with the option for the customer to make changes if desired.

In addition to these simplifications, ICP has introduced smart payment channels such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, which have streamlined the payment process. This innovation has resulted in reduced payment data entry fields and steps, ultimately saving time for customers and enhancing their overall experience.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, ICP director general, emphasized that the aspirations and needs of customers are at the forefront of the Authority’s priorities. He highlighted that the new procedure has significantly enhanced service efficiency and customer satisfaction, reflecting the commitment of ICP to continually improve and innovate in serving the community.

This comprehensive overhaul represents a significant step forward in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to modernize governmental services, making them more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for all stakeholders.