From 2010, expatriates in the UAE can apply for three official documents: residence visas, labour cards and identity cards, with a single visit to an authorised typing centre. About 200 typing centres in the country are already helping expatriates to process the application for residence visa and labour card, and they will have a greater role in the new system. A single application form will be introduced for residence visa, labour card and ID card as part of integrating various official documents with ID card by fourth quarter of this year. The residence visa will be integrated into the ID card by the fourth quarter after linking residence visa issuing and renewal, with ID card registration. During the next stage, the labour card will be integrated into the ID card.

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