UAE: Fingerprints Now Required for Residency Visa

In an effort to prevent fraud and identity theft, next month the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department will require applicants for residency visas to provide fingerprint samples. As reported by gulfnews.com, the measure is designed to enhance secure identification and prevent entry of persons with criminal records – said individuals will be denied visas and turned over to police officials.

A fingerprint database is being constructed and eventually all foreign UAE residents will have to submit biometric information for visas. Current residents will provide fingerprints upon submitting a renewal application.