Indian expats returning to the UAE are facing challenges at Indian airports due to the absence of physical Emirates IDs, even with valid digital versions. This situation has resulted in passengers being unable to board their flights, leading to cancelled tickets, travel delays, and financial losses. Azeem Ahmed, an Indian expat in Sharjah, was stopped at Mangalore’s Bajpe Airport for not having his physical Emirates ID, causing him to miss work and face salary deductions. Another incident involved a traveller from Thiruvananthapuram who was denied boarding at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for not carrying his physical Emirates ID, despite having a digital ID and visa on his phone.
Travel agents are advising passengers heading to the UAE to carry a physical copy of their Emirates ID, despite the move towards digital residency documents. Taha Siddique, owner of Siddique Travels, stressed the importance of carrying the Emirates ID, especially as the UAE no longer stamps visas on passports. Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travel and Tourism, shared his experience of being asked to show his Emirates ID while travelling back to the UAE from Kochi. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced in 2022 that Emirates ID cards serve as the official proof of residency, replacing visa stamps in passports.
The incidents at Indian airports have highlighted the need for passengers to carry physical Emirates IDs when travelling to the UAE, despite the availability of digital versions. The absence of physical IDs has led to passengers being prevented from boarding flights and facing financial losses. Ahmed’s experience of having to wait five days for his physical ID to be sent from the UAE underscores the impact of not carrying the necessary documents. Similarly, the incident involving Bysil being denied boarding by Air India Express for not having his physical ID has raised concerns about inconsistent policies at Indian airports.
The advice from travel agents to carry physical Emirates IDs is aimed at avoiding issues faced by passengers at Indian airports. Despite the move towards digital residency documents, the physical ID remains essential for smooth travel experiences. Siddique emphasized the importance of carrying the Emirates ID, particularly with the UAE no longer stamping visas on passports. Varghese’s experience at an Indian airport further emphasizes the significance of having a physical Emirates ID when travelling to the UAE.
In conclusion, the incidents of Indian expats facing challenges at Indian airports due to the absence of physical Emirates IDs highlight the importance of carrying the necessary documents when travelling to the UAE. While digital versions are valid, the requirement for physical IDs at Indian airports has caused inconvenience and financial losses for passengers. Travel agents are advising passengers to carry physical Emirates IDs to avoid such issues and ensure a smooth travel experience. With the UAE’s updated residency regulations, the Emirates ID serves as the official proof of residency, replacing visa stamps in passports and emphasizing the need for passengers to carry physical IDs when travelling to the UAE.
