The number of ID card registration centres in the UAE is to increase as officials aim to process 20,000 applicants per day – almost tripling the current level, it was reported on Wednesday.
Registration for mandatory identity cards, which can take a whole day, will be cut to five minutes, with changes to the system expected within the next fortnight.
“This will enhance the registration process,” said Gen Ahmed al Raisi, the chairman of the Emirates Identity Authority, in comments published by UAE daily The National.
“Instead of going back and forth between departments, the person will go to one place only and the process will be over in five minutes.
Currently, applicants must take a quick medical check-up, a visit the immigration department and several other government offices before a card can be issued.
Within months, mobile registration centres will drive out to people who cannot travel to register, the paper added.
The moves to improve the programme were announced at the Identity Conference 2010.
So far, 1.8 million nationals and expatriates have registered for the cards.
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