Indians and other residents in the United Arab Emirates would soon have to provide DNA samples to the UAE government if new plans to compile a DNA database to help police solve crimes are approved.
The DNA database project is yet to receive the Ministry of Interior's approval, but a decision is expected to be made soon, a government official told 7 Days newspaper requesting anonymity.
Saliva samples would probably be taken from people when they apply for their unified national identification cards, he said.
The DNA data would be included on the mandatory ID cards that are set to be introduced in 2006 for both UAE nationals and expatriates that would also have biometric information.
The government official Tuesday hailed the idea and said the DNA database would become a great crime-fighting tool that "should be at the police's disposal". The UAE currently has a DNA database, but only of convicted criminals.