Emirates ID rush has typing centres refusing registration

With three days left for the deadline for Dubai residents to register for the National Emirates Identity card, queues have become longer at typing centers and some centres are refusing to register new applicants.

The typing centre in Mazaya Centre is refusing to take any more applications.

“We are not taking any fresh applications until Thursday,” said the official at the centre.

Some women lined up at the centre, were all given a similar response.

“All this time people were napping. Now there’s such a backlog that we cannot accept applications at this stage,” the official told this reporter.

“There are 50 to 60 typing centres which are still taking applications. Please check on the website and call them up before going there,” he added.

One frustrated woman was complaining of this being the second typing centre from which she was turned away. “I went to one in Deira and they gave me a similar response and Thursday is the last day,” she said.

However, the typing centre on the premises of the main immigration office in Dubai is accepting applications. “Please leave your passport and check with us tomorrow,” said the official at the centre.

However, when this reporter refused to submit the passport, she was asked to wait for an hour until her papers were processed.

Meanwhile, there were heated arguments among people and executives at the centre as they had waited for hours to register.

“I have so many applications. You have to be patient. Please leave your passports and come tomorrow,” said the official as he pointed at a pile of passports on the table. Women were being given preference in the registration process.

An Indian applicant brought his wife along to the centre. “They are always accommodating when it comes to women,” he said as he waited outside the centre.

The last date for registering for the ID card in Dubai is May 31, 2012, after which a daily fine of Dh20 will be levied with a maximum of Dh1000 upon those who have failed to register.

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