Linking of the Emirates Identity Authority with all government departments is being done gradually, according to Dr Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, director-general of Eida. 

“The linking between Eida and governmental departments is progressing as per the grace period decision of the authority applicable for all citizens and residents in all UAE emirates,” he said. 

In an exclusive statement to Emirates 24l7, he said: “There is full co-ordination between Eida and all federal and local departments and institutions. Already, many government departments provide services only if the applicant has an ID card. Currently, it is not compulsory to have the ID card to avail of government services but it will become so at the beginning of next year.” 

He added that having the ID card will become compulsory after Eida’s linking with all government institutions is completed. 

“Eida has intensified its campaign to raise awareness about the ID card deadline for both residents and Emiratis,” Al Khouri said. 

He said the current grace period would be final. 

Eida has fixed an early February deadline for ID card registration for Sharjah residents, April 1 for residents of Abu Dhabi and June 1 for Dubai. 

Eida had fixed November 1, 2011 as the deadline for emiratis to registered for the ID card. December 1, 2011 was the final deadline for employees of the government and quasi-government (federal and local) bodies and their families. 

“The health services will require the ID card, even if the patient has a health insurance card. Expatriates will need the ID card for renewing their residence visas,” he said. 

He urged residents not to wait till the last minute and to adhere to the deadlines to avoid delays and fines.