Overview

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) was established on 15 Sha’ban 1425H, corresponding to 29 September 2004, under the name Emirates Identity Authority, pursuant to Federal Law No. (2) of 2004. The Law provided for the establishment of the Population Register and Emirates Identity Card Programme, which included the registration of personal and biometric data of the population of the State and the maintenance of such data in secure electronic databases in coordination with the competent authorities.
The Authority was mandated to issue Emirates ID cards to registered individuals. Each card bears a unique identification number, readable data and data stored on an electronic chip, and is recognised by all government entities within the State.
Since its establishment, ICP has specialised in providing identity verification and authentication services to federal and local government authorities, as well as to other authorised entities. For this purpose, the Law grants ICP the right to request the data and information necessary to fulfil its statutory objectives from the competent authorities in the State.
A significant milestone in the development of the Authority was the issuance of Federal Decree-Law No. (3) of 2017, pursuant to which its name was amended to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and additional responsibilities were assigned to it. These responsibilities include nationality affairs, passports, and matters relating to the entry and residence of foreigners in the State. The relevant powers and competences previously assigned to the Ministry of Interior were transferred to ICP accordingly.

Mandate of ICP

Pursuant to Federal Law No. (2) of 2004, ICP is established as a federal government authority with legal personality and an independent budget. Federal Decree-Law No. (3) of 2017 further amended the Law and transferred to ICP the competences previously exercised by the Ministry of Interior in matters relating to nationality, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners.

Accordingly, ICP is authorised to:

• Register the personal data of the population of the State and maintain such data in electronic databases in coordination with the competent authorities.
• Register vital statistics and link them to personal data records.
• Issue Emirates ID cards bearing a unified number, readable data and data stored on an electronic chip.
• Update and maintain population data records.
• Provide identity verification and authentication services to federal and local government authorities and other authorised entities, in accordance with the applicable executive regulations.
• Request from competent authorities any data or information necessary to achieve its objectives.
• Develop general policies relating to nationality affairs, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners in coordination with the competent federal and local authorities, and implement such policies following Cabinet approval.
• Propose draft legislation relating to nationality, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners.
• Prepare and issue regulations, rules and procedures governing nationality, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners, in accordance with the Law.
• Decide on applications concerning acquisition, dependency, loss or restoration of nationality in accordance with the Nationality and Passports Law and its Executive Regulations.
• Propose ports designated for entry into and exit from the State, subject to Cabinet approval.
• Issue, renew, suspend or withdraw regular and temporary passports in accordance with the applicable legislation.
• Establish rules governing entry permits for foreigners residing outside the State, subject to Cabinet approval.
• Detain or deport foreigners and issue deportation permits in accordance with the Law.
• Propose fees relating to nationality, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners in coordination with local authorities, subject to Cabinet approval.
• Collect and document data, information and statistics relating to nationality, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners.
• Represent the State at Arab, regional and international conferences and meetings relevant to the Authority’s mandate, and follow up on the implementation of related decisions in coordination with the competent authorities.
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Cabinet.