Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

UAE Citizens can apply to obtain, renew, or to get a replacement for a lost or damaged Emirati passport through five channels identified by the Digital Government of the UAE, including: the General Departments of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Citizenship Section, the Nationality and Residence portal (eChannels), the passport service for citizens via Internet - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Airports.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports provides a passport renewal service at the airport around the clock, according to the Digital Government. In the event that the citizen is outside the country and his passport has expired, lost, or damaged, he must contact the UAE embassy or consulate to obtain a new passport.

The Digital Government pointed out that the new passport is valid for not more than five years, and hence, its owner must apply for a new passport with the need to submit 3 documents: the family book or a copy of it, the original ID or a copy of it, and a recent personal photo, with the need to hand over the old passport.

Citizens having more inquiries about Emirati passports in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates can contact the General Departments of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the concerned emirate, or contact the call centre of the ICP at 600522222. For inquiries about passport services in Dubai, they can contact the Amer service in Dubai at the number 8005111.