Expatriates in the UAE will soon no longer need their passports stamped with residence visas. This will apply to residence documents issued after April 11, 2019.
According to a circular published by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, citizens’ Emirates ID would be accepted as proof of residency. All necessary residency-related information is included on the ID.
Airlines will be able to verify people’ residency using their Emirates ID and passport number.
The action is based on a Cabinet resolution published earlier this year and aims to improve the services provided to the citizens of the country.
A residency visa is a sticker that is issued on the passports of expatriates once they have passed a medical exam. It is valid for two, three, five, or ten years, depending on the type of visa the resident possesses.