The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) announced that the registration of Emirati newborns is now mandatory for electronic passports (e-passport) and ID cards, according to ArabianBusiness.com.

In order to register, parents must present their own ID cards in addition to the newborn’s original summary of civil status and original birth certificate to an EIDA-affiliated registration center. The EIDA noted that there are no transaction fees for the registration service and the newly born citizen does not have to be present.

Once registered, an identity certificate will be issued, which can then be used to apply for an e-passport and an ID card. Each card contains the cardholder’s address, photo, date of birth and fingerprints, and can be used as an official source of identification.

The scheme, which began in 2005, was designed to integrate information from labor cards, visas and other ID documents, and to make government transactions easier.

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