This week the spotlight is on legal and tax developments in the UAE, where the country’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced it is working on a new system to allow companies to issue or renew Emirates ID cards for their staff electronically. The aim is to migrate 80% of the Authority’s services to smart and digital platforms by December 2018. Under the new system, companies who meet certain criteria will be able to use Authority services to issue ID cards electronically. Companies will have to have over 100 employees and must be licenced by the relevant authorities. They will also have to apply to the Identity and Citizenship Authority to use the system.

The Federal Taxes Authority has also confirmed the provision of a receipt is a fundamental consumer right. The Authority confirmed businesses should provide receipts and should not deduct taxes if have not registered. The Authority also warned fines will be imposed on businesses who deduct tax but refuse to provide consumers with receipts.