Kazakhstan and UAE Simplify Driver's Licence Recognition for Citizens

Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates have signed a memorandum to simplify driver’s licence recognition for their citizens. The agreement was finalised during a visit by Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov to the UAE on 25 June 2023. It aims to ease administrative procedures for travellers and residents between the two nations. During his visit, Sadenov met with Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Their discussions covered broader cooperation, including efforts to combat organised crime, cybercrime, and drug trafficking. They also explored sharing operational intelligence, adopting modern technologies, and training personnel in law enforcement.

The signed memorandum specifically allows for the mutual recognition of national driving permits. It also simplifies the process for exchanging licences between the two countries. The agreement will take effect once both nations complete their domestic approval procedures.

The move holds particular significance given the strong ties between the countries. Around 400,000 Kazakh citizens visit the UAE every year, and approximately 14,000 Kazakh nationals live there permanently. The memorandum is set to benefit both travellers and long-term residents by reducing bureaucracy. It also strengthens collaboration between the two nations in law enforcement. The next step is the completion of internal procedures to activate the agreement.