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29 March 2024

SIM re-registration: Fingerprint scan needs to match Emirates ID

Published
By Parag Deulgaonkar

For now, not all mobile users in the UAE are finding their SIM card re-registration happening automatically, Emirates 24|7 can reveal.

Re-registration messages are still being sent out to customers, who are asked to update their information with telecom companies following renewal of their residence visa and Emirates ID.

Mobile number owners need to visit the Etisalat service centres personally as their fingerprint is scanned for completion of the re-registration process. A match with Emirates ID data is necessary.

“I was getting messages to update my information from Etisalat. Though my husband took my Emirates ID to update the information, they told him to send the person who owns the number,” said Meena S, a resident.

“They scanned my Emirates ID and even took my thumb impression. Since it matched with the Emirates ID data, the re-registration was done immediately,” she added.

Executives at the Etisalat business center at Ibn Battuta Mall told this website that it is mandatory for the person using the number to be present physically for re-registration and scanning of their fingerprint was mandatory.

Industry sources told this website that telecom companies were still testing the e-link phase and hence some of the numbers were automatically updated.

Last month, Arabic newspaper ‘Al Ittihad’ reported that customers of Etisalat and Du will no longer need to physically visit their respective telecom operator’s centres with the original Emirates ID card to update the information.

According to Etisalat website, a customer needs to visit any of their business/service centers and outlets or their partner offices locations, fill up the application form by specifying the mobile numbers they wish to re-register and provide one of the following IDs: an original and valid Emirates ID, or an original and valid passport and visa (in case of residential visa: the visa number, unified number, or residency file number; for visit visa: visa number and their birthdate.)

The du website states that everyone must register their mobile numbers in the UAE in line with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s “My Number, My Identity” campaign as it will protect your privacy and avoid fraud.

It states customers can register their mobile numbers using Emirates ID through the card reader machine at any of their stores.