For Indian expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who seek to obtain an Aadhaar card for identification purposes, the process is relatively straightforward if the necessary documentation is in order.
Obtaining an Aadhaar Card in the UAE for Indian Residents
Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit identifier intricately linked with biometric data, serves as a centralized means to authenticate one's identity, age, and residential address within India.
While non-resident Indians (NRIs) have the option to apply for an Aadhaar card, it is not mandatory. However, possessing one can prove advantageous for NRIs intending to return to India or extend their stay, facilitating various transactions such as opening bank accounts, leasing properties, conducting financial transactions, and engaging in governmental procedures.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a provision known as 'Aadhaar on Arrival' for NRIs. Although NRIs can schedule an appointment for Aadhaar card enrollment either online or offline, physical presence within India is indispensable to undergo the biometric authentication process.
Aadhaar cards come in various forms tailored to different age groups. Form 1 is applicable to individuals aged 18 and above, while Form 2 is intended for NRIs enrolling or updating their address outside of India. Form 3 is designed for children aged 5 to under 18 years, whether residents or NRIs possessing Indian address proof, and Form 4 is specifically for NRI children within the aforementioned age bracket lacking Indian address proof.
Application and documents
The process of obtaining an Aadhaar card involves several steps. Initially, individuals must book an appointment, which can be done online via the UIDAI website by selecting their location and providing their Indian mobile number, or offline by visiting an Aadhaar center.
Document submission follows, where all necessary documents must be personally submitted when visiting the UIDAI enrollment center. Biometric data collection is the subsequent step, requiring individuals to visit the UIDAI enrollment center to provide their biometric particulars, including scans of all ten fingers, both eye iris, and a photograph. Upon completion of the enrollment process, Aadhaar cards are dispatched to the registered Indian address within a span of 90 days.
Essential documents required for the NRI Aadhaar card application include a valid Indian passport serving as proof of identity and address. In the absence of a valid Indian address proof, alternative UIDAI-approved Proof of Address (PoA) documents such as PAN cards or utility bills may be utilized.
Additional documents may be requested to substantiate residency status in another country, such as a copy of the stamped visa of the country of residence. For individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, a birth certificate is mandated. NRI children necessitate a valid Indian passport as the sole acceptable proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA).
