UAE Announces 10-Year Validity for Passports of Citizens Aged 21 and Above
The UAE has officially extended the validity of Emirati passports to 10 years for citizens aged 21 and above, starting Monday, July 8, 2024. This new measure, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), represents a significant shift from the previous five-year validity period.
Streamlined Process and Reduced Bureaucracy
The ICP highlighted that the extension aims to streamline the bureaucratic process and save time for citizens. By reducing the frequency of renewals to once every decade, the government seeks to enhance efficiency and convenience.
Benefits for Citizens
The extended validity period is expected to alleviate the hassle of frequent renewals. Al Balooshi, an Al Ain resident, explained how the new system will benefit her family: “Due to our busy schedule, we sometimes forget to renew our passports before they expire. The extended validity gives us more time between renewals, making the process much easier for us.
Support from Citizens
Ahmed Khalifa, a 34-year-old Dubai-based national, praised the policy, stating, “The UAE has a long history of implementing policies that make life more convenient for its people. This new passport validity extension is another example of the government’s efforts to simplify life for its citizens.” He believes the 10-year validity will save UAE citizens’ time and effort in the long run.
Implementation and Accessibility
Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Director General of Identity and Passports at the Authority, clarified that the 10-year validity is limited to citizens aged 21 and above. The five-year passport will continue to be issued for those under 21 years of age. The new 10-year passports will be issued through the same established procedures and delivery channels as the current passports. Citizens can apply for the new service upon the expiration of their existing passports or when all its pages are fully used, whichever comes first.
Renewal Options
UAE citizens have several convenient options to renew their 10-year passports. Domestically, they can apply through local passport offices run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. For emergency renewals, citizens can visit dedicated passport offices at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports, which are open 24/7 to accommodate urgent needs. For those living overseas, the 10-year passport service is also available through UAE embassies and consulates in their country of residence.
Government’s Vision
The new service aligns with the UAE government’s broader vision to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. By reducing the customer journey from two trips to just one every 10 years, the initiative supports the government’s efforts to streamline processes and make services more accessible. This policy is part of the UAE’s continuous efforts to improve public services and ensure that the needs of its citizens are met efficiently and effectively.
Reference: Khaleej Times
