UAE to start issuing passports with validity of 10 years for Emiratis aged 21 and above from July 8

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) will officially start issuing a 10-year UAE passport for citizens aged 21 and above as of Monday.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, stated that the modernised passport service aims to make life easier for UAE citizens. He said that the authority has been working on developing the service and making sure that the systems are compatible.

He added, “The 10-year-validity of the passport service stems from ICP's strategic objectives for 2023-2026, particularly the seventh objective, which stipulates the development of an advanced and proactive system for citizens and foreigners.”

"ICP is committed to achieving the best experience for customers applying for its services through all its channels to ensure provision of a seamless and integrated digital government experience, as well as an innovative partnership model. This will result in the delivery of effective and efficient services, and an increase in customer happiness," he added.

Maj. Gen. Al Khaili also explained that the issuance of passports to UAE citizens aged 21 years and above with a validity period of 10 years effectively contributes to the enhancement of citizens' happiness levels and provides them with the opportunity to move and travel freely and comfortably, thereby improving the quality of life of the community sustainably. Furthermore, it reduces the customer's journey in terms of procedures and time by almost half, from two trips to one trip every 10 years, and supports the zero government bureaucracy programme, thus saving time and effort for customers.

On his part, Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Director General of Identity and Passports at ICP, stated that the issuance of a passport with a validity period of 10 years is limited only to citizens aged 21 and above, while those below under 21 will continue to receive a 5-year passport. The new passports will be issued in the same way as before, with the same procedures, standards and controls, and through the same service delivery channels, he added.

He also said that people aged 21 and above can apply for the new service when their current passports expire. People living abroad can also apply for the new service if their passports expire, he added.