Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) has affirmed that the Emirates ID card holder must report any change in his/her details of the card to the competent department in ICP within one month from the date of change.

Applying for updating the mobile phone data and address necessitates the owner of the ID card to be present in the country, the ICP said, adding that the application is not accepted if the owner is outside the country.

The ICP clarified that no documents needed for updating the data and that the e-services fees are Dhs50, noting that the service channels are available on a 24/7 basis through the ICP’s e-services system and smart app and that the service is completed instantly after its requirements are completed.

The ICP pointed out that applying for the service via the ICP’s website and app includes three steps; namely, accessing the smart services system (digital identity or user name), searching for the service you want to apply for and filling in the application data, where applicable, and paying the service fee (if any).

Meanwhile, as per ICP, it is against the law to seize the Emirates ID card of other people. Companies are not allowed to withhold the Emirates ID cards of their employees or their customers and visitors. They are only allowed to take the personal data on the ID cards. In case of violation, cardholders should refer the case to the judicial authorities.

If you have lost your Emirates ID card, or suspect it has been stolen, or it has been damaged, you must soon request a replacement of Emirates ID card from the ICP. Here are the steps to get an Emirates ID card replaced: Report the incident: Approach the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre and report the incident so the stolen or lost card will be deactivated immediately.

Ask ICP for ID number confirmation or a copy of the lost ID, in case you don’t have one. In case of damaged cards, bring the old card with you. When reporting the incident, remember to bring along your identification papers to prove your identity.

Apply for ID card replacement: After reporting the incident, fill in an application form at any of ICA’s Customer Happiness Centres or approved typing centres. Pay the fees: Applicant must pay Dhs300 for replacement of a lost or damaged ID, in addition to application fees of Dhs70 in case of applying through typing centres, or Dhs40 in case of applying through the eForm on the ICA website.

These fees apply to all UAE nationals, GCC nationals and expatriate residents. You may get an express ID replacement service at ICA main’s Customer Happiness Centre against Dhs150 extra. Collect your new ID card: You will receive a text message from ICP about the status of the submitted application and the expected delivery date.

ID card will be issued within 48 hours from the time of submitting the replacement application. Those who applied for the express service will receive the ID card within 24 hours from the time they submit the replacement application. Contact Emirates Post to receive the card after receiving a message from ICP on the availability of the card.