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Emirates ID Card or Passport required to apply for new SIM card

Emirates ID Card or Passport required to apply for new SIM card

According to a new regulation by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), applications for new mobile phone SIM card must accompany a copy of either Emirates ID Card or Passport.

Earlier, subscribers used to get new SIM card by submitting copies of labor card or driving license.

The rules were circulated to all mobile phone shops and other GSM handset outlets involved in the sale of Etisalat and du SIM cards.

“Please be aware that the new regulatory policy states new procedures and measures for obtaining and registering mobile SIM cards and services. In particular, it specifies the following ID documentation for obtaining and registering SIM cards and services-the Emirates ID or the passport,” TRA said.

“It is essential to emphasize the importance of implementing these new procedures which are in effect starting July 17 and to distribute a copy of the original notice to all points of sales of mobile SIM cards in the UAE.”

UAE mobile phone users ask to re-register SIMs in 18 months

UAE registration of SIM cards

On pretext of curbing illegal phones, the mobile phone users in the UAE are asked to re-register their SIMs in 18 months or risk having their telephone services cut off.

Reported by the Arabian Business, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said in a statement that mobile phone subscribers are expected to fully update their data and ensure that the sim cards they’re using are registered under their names.

All customers will receive notification of the programme either through text message or phone call.

According to TRA, Re-registration prevents any unauthorised or criminal usage of sim cards and helps in curbing legal or social violations besides reducing frauds that have been noticed during the last few years.

Etisalat has 105 registration points across the UAE while du has 46.

Apparently this is an attempt by the government to curb the use of fake / replica cellphones, freely sold across UAE. Rather than stopping the sales, the authorities are punishing the subscribers.