UAE forms new authority for identity, citizenship

DUBAI: The UAE on Tuesday announced a new Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, which will be responsible for regulating the affairs of citizenship, passports, entry and residence of foreigners in the country.
Its other responsibilities include promoting ports, borders and free zones’ security, raising their efficiency and readiness, as well as organizing and managing customs work in the country in accordance with global standards.
UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a decree establishing the Authority, which merges the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Federal Customs Authority, and the General Authority of Ports, Borders and Free Zones Security.
The Authority will also be responsible for preparing laws, regulations, standards and requirements related to passports, citizenship, entry affairs as well as foreigners’ residency among other things.
Also included in the responsibilities of the new entity are proposing and preparing policies, strategies and legislation related to identity and citizenship affairs, passports, entry and residence of foreigners, customs and port security along with proceeding with the relevant approvals from the Cabinet.
It will also work on establishing, developing and updating the population registry and personal data system in the country and manage it in accordance with the best practices, as well as setting up systems, programs and procedures to ensure the issuance of identity cards to all citizens and residents of the country.
The authority is mandated to develop and unify requirements and procedures related to the ports, borders and free zones’ safety and security, raising the efficiency and readiness of these sites along with strengthening their security capabilities, in addition to managing ports, control and inspection of passengers, shipments, and incoming, outgoing and transiting goods to control the movement of entry and exit at ports and free zones.
The Authority shall be responsible for issuing, renewing, suspending, withdrawing and closing ports and free zones licenses, and seeking their approval from the Cabinet.
It will also work on developing unified customs procedures and those related to inspection, control, tariffs and customs data, and combating customs smuggling and fraud on all incoming, outgoing and transit shipments and goods through the country’s ports, in accordance with relevant standards.
Following up the implementation of international obligations and requirements in the field of security of ports, borders and free zones, including the approval and application of standard rules for the specifications of devices used to detect materials and goods imported and exported from the country are its other tasks.
The Authority shall represent the UAE in joining or signing treaties and agreements with other countries, Gulf, regional and international organizations and bodies in the relevant fields.