The United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires all its citizens and expatriates to hold an Emirates ID, an essential document for identification within the country. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has laid out a set of fines and penalties related to the Emirates ID and visa services, which cover a wide range of infractions. Fines can vary from minor daily fees to substantial penalties for serious violations.

This article delves into the insights of these fines, the reasoning behind them, and the available exemptions.

Overview of Violations and Penalties

The ICP has established 14 specific violations that can incur penalties, and the fines imposed vary based on the nature and severity of each violation. For delays in renewing the Emirates ID, the fine can range from Dh20 per day to as high as Dh20,000 for more serious offenses.

Key Violations Include:

1. Late Registration or Renewal: A fine of Dh20 per day is levied for delays in registering or renewing the Emirates ID beyond 30 days from the expiration date, with the maximum fine capped at Dh1,000.
2. Misuse and Obstruction: Fines of Dh5,000 are imposed for the misuse of the system, obstructing ICP employees, or failing to pay necessary fees.
3. Providing False Information: Submitting incorrect data can lead to a penalty of Dh3,000, while inaccuracies in printing requests incur a fine of Dh100.
4. Visa Issuance Violations: Issuing visas or entry permits to non-existent entities can result in a Dh20,000 fine.
5. Lost or Damaged ID: Replacing a lost or damaged Emirates ID incurs a fee of Dh300 and extra application fees.

Specific Fines Related to Residency and Foreign Affairs

The ICP also enforces fines related to residency and foreign affairs services, each amounting to Dh500. These fines are applied in cases such as:

• Submission of unrelated transactions by a company’s representative.
• Expiration of the company representative’s card.
• Violations related to carrying necessary cards during transactions and compliance with pledges to the ICP.

Exemptions from Penalties

Acknowledging that certain circumstances may hinder the timely renewal or updating of the Emirates ID, the ICP provides exemptions from fines for eligible individuals. The criteria for these exemptions include:

1. Extended Absence from the UAE: Individuals who have been outside the UAE for more than three months and whose Emirates ID expired during their absence.
2. Deportation or Judicial Cases: Those deported or involved in judicial cases where their passport is seized.
3. New Nationals: Individuals who received UAE nationality and the family book after their ID expired.
4. Health Issues: Bedridden individuals or those with contagious diseases or disabilities supported by medical certificates.
5. Diplomatic Staff: Employees of diplomatic missions and their dependents.
6. Elderly: Residents aged 70 and above who are unable to visit customer centers can prove their age via official documents.
7. Social Security Recipients: Emiratis who are social security recipients and their dependents can apply for exemptions with certificates proving their financial status.

The TME Legal Takeaway

Compliance with the regulations helps avoid hefty fines, and knowing the exemptions can provide relief in exceptional circumstances. The ICP’s detailed guidelines ensure that residents are well-informed about their responsibilities and consequences of non-compliance.