Faster document processing for Egyptian expatriates

Egyptians abroad can soon enjoy a package of facilities, particularly related to documents processing, at a lower rate. This was announced during the five-day visit of a high profile Egyptian diplomatic delegation to the UAE. The delegation started the visit in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on March 13 and then moved to Dubai on March 14. The delegation consisted of top officials and representatives from the Egyptian ministries concerned with the affairs of the Egyptians abroad. These included the ministries of foreign affairs, housing, education, manpower, economy and other important departments. The delegation held three open meetings with the Egyptian community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai over the last five days. The delegation said that the Egyptian authorities have arranged a package of facilities for the citizens abroad. “Birth certificates, ID cards and passports will be issued faster and against lower charges in collaboration with the bodies concerned,” Ambassador Ragheb, Assistant to the Foreign Minister of Egypt for consular affairs and Egyptians abroad, said. The number of the devices set for issuing these documents will be increased. “A study is under way to directly connect all Egyptian embassies across the world with the Ministry of Interior and Civil Affairs Department without initially passing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to save time,” he added. Ambassador Ragheb said that more facilities and reductions will be offered on vehicles’ customs tariffs. “Critical amendments have been introduced to the Customs Law whereby exceptions will be given on the entry of old vehicles on the first ownership condition as well as a big customs cut on all auto categories.” The changes have been approved by both the Foreign Ministry and Traffic Department, in anticipation to the Finance Ministry approval and final nod from the People’s Assembly.