Indian expats coming back to the UAE are facing issues at Indian airports because they lack physical Emirates IDs, even though they have valid digital versions. This has caused some passengers being prevented from boarding their flights, which has led to cancelled tickets, delays, and financial losses, reports Khaleej Times.
Azeem Ahmed, an Indian expat and sales executive in Sharjah, was stopped at Bajpe Airport in Mangalore when he couldn't provide his physical Emirates ID, despite having a digital version of his UAE visa. He had traveled to India to bring his family back but forgot the ID due to sudden travel plans. This oversight led him to cancel his tickets and wait five days for the ID to be sent from the UAE, causing him to miss work and face salary deductions.
A regional media channel in Kerala, Siraj Live, reported a similar case involving a traveler from Thiruvananthapuram who was stopped by airline staff for not having his physical Emirates ID. Bysil, from Pulluvila, was denied boarding by Air India Express at Thiruvananthapuram Airport despite presenting his digital ID and valid visa on his passport and the UAE mobile app. After expressing his frustration, he contacted airline officials, who stated that there were no restrictions on traveling with a digital ID and visa. Bysil is now considering legal action against the airline due to the inconsistent policies at the airport.
In light of recent incidents, travel agents are recommending that passengers traveling to the UAE carry a physical copy of their Emirates ID, even though the UAE is transitioning to digital residency documents.
Taha Siddique, the owner of Siddique Travels, stated, “Whenever someone books a ticket with us, we advise them to bring their Emirates ID, regardless of their destination. After the UAE stopped stamping visas in passports, such issues have become frequent at Indian airports, although they have declined lately.”
Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travel and Tourism, recounted his own experience of being stopped at an Indian airport for visa verification. He mentioned, “While returning to the UAE from Kochi, airport staff requested to see my Emirates ID.” He pointed out that many residents lack a visa stamp in their passports, making the Emirates ID now regarded as the UAE's visa equivalent.
In 2022, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced that Emirates ID cards would serve as the official proof of residency, replacing the former practice of stamping visas in passports. The updated Emirates ID contains all essential residency information, which airport immigration can access digitally.
Bd-pratidin English/Afia
