May 27 2012 |
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Huge rush at Emirates ID centres as deadline looms
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Identity Authority ( EIDA ) received 140 per cent more applications in the first three weeks of May compared to the same period last year. This is apparently due to the huge rush of expatriate applicants to meet the impending deadline in Dubai.
The deadline for Dubai residents ends on May 31 after which a fine of Dh20 will be imposed per day. This can even go up to Dh1,000.
As part of a media and advertising campaign, the EIDA distributed around 1 million copies of two brochures in nine languages. One brochure titled ‘Don’t Panic’ urged the public not to worry too much about the fines. You can avoid a fine by filling out the application form at any typing centre in Dubai before June 1, it said. Keep the appointment for registration mentioned in the application form or subsequent text message. If your residence visa expires in 2012, you can apply for the ID card while renewing the visa, it reads.
He said the authority had used all means of communication to remind residents to abide by the deadline.
SMS drive
Part of the communication initiative was to send around 24,000 text messages to public relations officers in Dubai, asking them to inform employees at their organisation to register before June 1 to avoid the fine.
Additionally, the EIDA also forwarded awareness messages to residents through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in cooperation with the government and private organisations.
How authority is bracing
- EIDA published 1 million copies of two brochures in nine languages
- 457,536 applications received in first three weeks of May this year
- 140 per cent increase over last year
- Authority received 191,554 applications in May 2011
Quick facts
- Deadline in Dubai — Thursday, May 31, 2012
- Filling out application at any typing centre before June 1 will avoid fine
- Dh20 per day fine up to a maximum of Dh1,000
- If your residence visa expires in 2012, apply for ID card while renewing it
- Children up to the age of 15 can apply until October 1 across the country
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
© Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
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