UAE will implement Population Register and ID Law
The new law giving the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) responsibility for the introduction of a modern Population Register and ID Card system for all citizens and residents of the UAE has been proclaimed.
The new law will further the country's efforts towards the provision of a secure environment for citizens and expatriate residents of the UAE. It is designed to keep personal identities secure from fraudulent or unauthorized use.
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE issued the Federal Law number 9 for 2006 for the Population Register and ID Card System. The new law consists of 32 articles addressing definitions, establishing the system and registration process, the ID Card itself, data retrieval and penalties.
During a press briefing held at the EIDA main offices, H.E. Dr Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director General of EIDA noted that population register program is one of the most advanced IT projects in the Middle East. The UAE's initiative is recognized in the international community and is supported by H.H.. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai as well as Members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates.
'The issuance of this law crowns all of our efforts to bring this important project to this successful stage, ' Dr Al Dhaheri said. 'This could never have been attained without the expressed interest and guidance of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who is the Chairman of EIDA, and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior and Vice Chairman of EIDA, who played prominent roles in facilitating the introduction and implementation of this program so far.'
Dr Al Dhaheri added: 'This program aims at establishing an advanced population register by means of establishing a comprehensive database for all citizens and UAE residents and issuing an advanced personal ID Card that will replace many other identification methods such as labor cards, driving licenses, to name just a few cards now carried by most of us.'
Dr Al Dhaheri continued by saying that the project utilizes the most advanced IT applications available in order to provide a more secure environment for the transaction of government business and commerce. It provides for an advanced form of e-government that is interactive and works to secure individual ,privacy.
The project will also ensure government planning for the future is based on accurate data. And it will be effective in combating identity fraud to create a safer living environment. In summary of the benefits of the program, EIDA's Director General said the reputation of the UAE as a developed nation will be enhanced.
The new law includes the inclusion of all family members over the age of 15 when an individual registers for the ID Card. Each family member will be eligible for their own designated ID number during timings that will be announced later as per the registration plan schedule. Any governmental transaction and service will be determined by having this ID Number.
The new law has taken into consideration the nature of the UAE community and its culture. Those who drafted the law included renowned and professional legal consultants from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. The law also passed through many procedures before being issued and was reviewed thoroughly by the EIDA Board and some amendments were incorporated, then was revised by the Ministerial Committee for legislations then
the Cabinet and the Higher Supreme Counci, and received finally the approval of the President.
The Law also requires that the authority be notified by both regulatory bodies and individuals with any update or change in the applicable data, personal information, or civil status of registered individuals.
Dr Al Dhaheri said that the new law is similar to existing laws in the country, which concern the issuance of documents such as passports or labor cards to ensure individual privacy is respected and the information given is kept confidential. Moreover, penalty articles were also included in the law to ensure that personal information is not abused by any officials who have access to an individual's personal information. These articles are similar to legislation being enacted internationally for similar cards so that cardholders can use the card with the confidence that the information contained on it and their individual identities are secure from fraud.
The Population Register and ID Card project is one of the first projects of its kind in the Middle East. It provides security for its holders by preserving their privacy and affirming their identities.
The ID card will facilitate the daily living process for all those who live in the UAE. It is designed to speed up government transactions as it reduces the time needed to identify the individual requesting service. It will also enhance productivity and the effectiveness of government procedures.
The Population Register and the ID Card project is a direct response to modern requirements for improved personal security. This government initiative will give all UAE residents access to the latest electronic technologies in e-government and e-commerce and assist in bridging the digital divide.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, June 06 - 2006
AME Info
June 07, 2006
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