Starting on January 1, 2002, all UAE ministries will only accept transactions that carry the new e-stamp. This marks another major step towards the Emirates’ goal of an advanced e-governance system. The new system will allow the government to collect its revenues through an advanced system, while providing its better and more accessible services. Subscribers to the e-stamp system with have access to government services 24 hours a day. Also, beaurocracy will be reduced and service enhanced through this means.
Director of Revenues Department at the Ministry of Finance and Industry Khalid Al Jawhari told the Khaleej Times that the decision to stop ordinary stamps was well received by the customers after a successful two-month experiment of the system.
The e-stamp procedure is simple and easy to use: All the subscriber has to do is to enter his PIN to access the network, enter details of the service he requires, fill the e-form and then enter the e-dirham card. The fees for the service will be deducted automatically. The system will issue an e-form carrying an e-stamp showing the fee collected, along with a serial number. The customer can than submit the form to the relevant ministry without standing in queue, and get the required service.
Al Jawhari noted that the system is highly efficient and functions through an advanced communication network which is foolproof. He said the ministry had asked 300 subscribers to try to fool the system, but it proved highly secure. The official urged all firms and typing centers to subscribe to the system before the old e-forms system is stopped. A large quantity of cards and devices for use with e-dirham system has been made available. The ministry is planning to sign contracts with a number of marketing firms to make the cards available for all, Al Jawhari said. The Emirates News Agency reported that according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, there are around 3000 users of e-forms at present including companies and typing centers, which can easily adopt the e-stamp. (www.albawaba.com)
