Legislation Details
- Full Title: Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
- Law Type: Federal Law by Decree
- Law Number: (14) of 2021
- Issued Date: 25 Aug 2021
- Effective Date: 27 Aug 2021
- Official Gazette: No. 709
- Sector: Government Affairs
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 32
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Federal Law by Decree establishes the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (the "Authority"). The Authority is responsible for regulating matters related to citizenship, passports, entry and residence of foreigners, as well as enhancing the security and efficiency of ports, borders, and free zones, and organizing and managing customs work in the UAE. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 1-4) The law is significant for businesses and individuals in the UAE as it consolidates various government authorities into a single entity responsible for critical functions such as identity and citizenship, customs, and port security. This is expected to improve coordination, efficiency, and security in these areas, which are crucial for the UAE's economic and social development. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 1-4)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The law establishes the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, which is responsible for regulating matters related to citizenship, passports, entry and residence of foreigners, as well as enhancing the security and efficiency of ports, borders, and free zones, and organizing and managing customs work in the UAE. The Authority is affiliated with the Cabinet and has legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and the necessary executive and supervisory powers to carry out its work. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 1-4)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The law provides the following key definitions:
- State: The State of the United Arab Emirates
- Authority: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
- Chairman: The Authority Chairman
- Concerned Authorities: Relevant Federal and Local Authorities
- Ports: UAE official Land, Air, and Sea Ports, in addition to the Creeks, Fishing and Private Ports
- Port Management: The process of preparing, planning, organizing the operation process, directing, coordinating, and supporting the roles and tasks of operating and implementing Federal or Local Authorities
- Boundaries: The boundaries separating the marine and land regions and territories of the State and the marine and land regions and regions of the neighboring countries
- Free zones: Free zones at any UAE Emirate
(Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The law outlines the following main obligations and requirements for the Authority: 1. Propose and prepare policies, strategies and legislation related to identity affairs, citizenship, passports, entry and residence of foreigners, customs and port security, and supervise their implementation. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 5(1)) 2. Establish, develop and update the population registry and personal data system in the UAE and manage it according to leading best practices. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 5(2)) 3. Establish the rules, regulations, standards and requirements related to passport and citizenship affairs, and the entry and residence of foreigners, and implement them. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 5(3-4)) 4. Develop and follow up the implementation of standards, requirements and procedures related to the security and safety of ports, borders and free zones. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 5(5)) 5. Develop and follow up the implementation of standard security and customs standards, requirements and procedures at the UAE level to control the entry and exit of people, goods and equipment at ports and free zones. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 5(6))
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The law establishes the following key authorities and bodies responsible for the enforcement and governance of the Authority: 1. The Cabinet: The Authority is affiliated with the Cabinet and the Cabinet has the power to approve the Authority's organizational structure, policies, strategies, and legislation. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 2, 6, 10) 2. The Chairman: The Authority has a Chairman appointed by a Federal Decree, who is responsible for proposing the Authority's general policy and strategic direction, supervising its implementation, and issuing necessary resolutions. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 6) 3. The General Manager(s): The Authority has one or more General Managers at the rank of Undersecretary, who are responsible for participating in policy formulation, supervising the implementation of strategic plans and programs, and managing the Authority's organizational units. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 7)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
This law repeals and replaces the following previous UAE federal laws and authorities: 1. Federal Law by Decree No. (2) of 2004 Establishing the Emirates Identity and Citizenship Authority 2. Federal Law No. (8) of 2015 on the Federal Customs Authority 3. Federal Law by Decree No. (6) of 2011 on the General Authority for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Art. 2) The law also references several other relevant UAE federal laws, including those related to the competencies of ministries, maritime zones, civil aviation, environment, national security, civil defense, and the armed forces. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Preamble)
When did this law come into effect?
This Federal Law by Decree came into effect on 27 August 2021, two days after its issuance on 25 August 2021. It was published in the Official Gazette No. 709 on 26 August 2021. (Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, 2021, Issued Date, Effective Date)
Source Documents
This article analyses Federal Law by Decree Concerning the Establishment of the Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.