How to Navigate Emirates ID Requirements for Expats Returning to the UAE
DUBAI: Recent reports indicate that some international airports are enforcing checks on Emirates IDs for expatriates flying back to the UAE.
This requirement has become particularly relevant for Indian expats traveling from cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Cochin, and Calicut, where immigration and airline staff are insisting on the presentation of a physical Emirates ID to verify residency.
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A recent incident highlighted this issue when an Indian expat from Sharjah was denied boarding after forgetting his Emirates ID. The traveler had to cancel his trip, wait five days for his ID to be couriered, and missed work, resulting in a salary deduction.
Travel experts warn that even if the ID is not checked when leaving the UAE, it is often demanded by Indian immigration and airline staff before boarding flights back to the country.
According to Sapna Aidasani, Marketing Director at Pluto Travels, “Your residence visa is now linked to your Emirates ID, which is the only way to prove you are a UAE resident.”
She emphasized the importance of carrying the original card, stating that digital versions or photocopies are not accepted.
Rikin Sheth, Vice President of Musafir.com, confirmed that the Emirates ID is required for expats from all nationalities traveling back to the UAE.
This regulation has been in effect since 2022, when the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced that the Emirates ID would replace visa stamps in passports as proof of residency.
As international travel resumes, expats are advised to ensure they have their original Emirates ID to avoid complications at the airport.
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