The Central Bank confirmed that banks have the right to request the customer's passport along with the Emirates ID to complete bank transactions, indicating that this comes with the aim of strengthening banks ’actions to combat financial crimes and money laundering.
This came in response to several complaints received by «Emirates Today» regarding the strictness of some banks in the procedures for opening bank accounts or when applying for funds or making financial transfers and stipulating the presence of the customer’s original passport alongside the Emirates ID and not being satisfied with the latter, despite the Central Bank’s issuance of four circulars in Various dates confirm that the banks must adopt an identity document sufficient for the procedures of banking transactions.
The Central Bank, in an e-mail reply to the questions of “Emirates Today”, stated that it issued instructions to banks, financial institutions and exchange companies regarding the possibility of using the Emirates ID card without a passport, to open accounts and conduct banking transactions and other facilities, and to continue to use the passport for those who do not require The law is that they get an Emirates ID card.
In his response, Al-Markazi added, “However, as part of enhancing due diligence requirements to combat financial crimes, money laundering and preventing the financing of terrorism, banks may require additional documents, including the original passport. Therefore, customers should cooperate with banks and other financial institutions. In this regard. ” He urged customers to contact the Consumer Protection Department to register their complaints, if any, to be carefully resolved.
The Central emphasized the importance of customer cooperation with banks.