Why are CICPA passes important?

Why are CICPA passes important?

- James Elliot-Square

What is CICPA?

The Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) is the official authority for the security and protection of Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure and the nation’s resources. CICPA is responsible for issuing security clearance for companies and employees working within any of Abu Dhabi’s critical establishments.

What is a CICPA pass and why do I need one?

CICPA (Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority) security passes allow access to restricted ports and field sites. There are many restricted areas, which are not accessible without the correct/relevant CICPA pass. Each CICPA pass is unique and would need to be applied for individually.

Is my company eligible to apply for a CICPA pass?

It is imperative that companies wishing to apply for CICPA passes meet the following criteria to apply:

  • The company must have an Abu Dhabi Trade Licence
  • The company must be registered with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
  • The company must have Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) approval
  • Have a contract in place with a concession holding company and obtain an invite letter (LOA) from ADNOC

Who is not eligible for a CICPA pass?

Security permits will be rejected for any individual with the following types of visa:

  • Freezone visa (aside from some freezones Masdar City, twofour54 – additional approvals will apply to these)
  • Visit visa
  • Tourist visa
  • Non Abu Dhabi issued visa

How do I apply for a CICPA pass?

There are numerous procedures to follow before CICPA passes can be applied for. Only employees of an Abu Dhabi company are eligible for CICPA passes (for CICPA areas controlled by ADNOC) and no temporary passes are allowed for employees employed in another emirate. The process for applying for CICPA passes is as follows:

  • Complete the application form by using the Permit Program (in Arabic only).
  • Complete the introduction documentation.
  • Attach required supporting documents according to the type of permit you wish to apply.
  • Submit the application at the headquarters of the Security Permits Section.
  • Only the company owner or registered company PRO can apply for the permits.

Note that some CICPA areas fall under other jurisdictions and it will be possible to obtain a CICPA pass using a company from an emirate other than Abu Dhabi if the CICPA area does not fall under ADNOC responsibility. For example, the new CICPA area in the emirate of Fujairah at the location of the new Power Plant, or the deep-water port - companies from other Emirates can obtain CICPA passes for this location if they are able to obtain the LOA from this particular CICPA authority.

Please call the PRO Partner Group team for more details on this issue - contact details below and contact form below.

What documents are required for a company to apply for CICPA passes?

Numerous documents are required to enable a company to apply for CICPA passes:

  • Completed application form
  • Copy of the company Trade Licence
  • Signatory’s signature authorisation
  • Letter from company requesting to open a file and approve a PRO
  • Certified PRO authorisation
  • Signed contract with a concession-holding company (LOA)
  • Cover letter for the contract from the Supreme Petroleum Council
  • Completed introduction form for PRO
  • Personal photo (must be 4cm x 6cm, with a white background)
  • PRO’s passport, visa and Emirates ID

What other documents are required?

  • Employee Security PermitVehicle Security PermitVessels Security Permit
  • Completed application formCompleted application formCompleted application form
  • Introduction formVehicle registration cardMaritime licence issued by the National Transport Authority
  • Personal photoNo objection letter from traffic and licensing department, including a list of vehicle numbers, categories and typesTrade licence
  • Passport, visa and Emirates ID, or passport and mission visaContract copySignatory’s signature authorisation
  • Contract copyTrade licenceCrew’s security permits
  • Trade LicenceSignatory’s signature authorisation

How do I obtain a CICPA Pass for Vehicles?

If the work that you are undertaking in a CICPA zone requires vehicles for transport or work (e.g. excavation diggers, cranes, trucks, busses – including boats and marine vehicles) then you must obtain a CICPA pass for those vehicles.

The CICPA pass is obtained for a vehicle in the same way that a CICPA pass is obtained for an individual person, the following basic steps:

  1. You must obtain a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) from ADNOC
  2. Within this LOA it must be stated what vehicle types are needed to carry out the work in the CICPA area, how many vehicles and for what duration
  3. Once the LOA has been granted it will stipulate how many staff and what vehicles you may apply for to obtain CICPA passes
  4. To obtain a CICPA pass for a vehicle, the vehicle must be owned by the company with the LOA
  5. If the company with the LOA leases their vehicles from a 3rd party, then this 3rd party must apply for an LOA themselves for CICPA passes for their vehicles
  6. In order for a company to obtain CICPA passes, they must be an Abu Dhabi based company with SPC (Supreme Petroleum Council) approval
  7. Once the 3rd party has obtained a LOA for their vehicles, then the vehicles may apply for CICPA passes to enter with the CICPA zones with the first company
  8. PRO Partner Group can assist you with the registration of vehicles and obtaining CICPA passes for individuals and equipment

How can PRO Partner Group assist you?

If you need assistance in obtain SPC Approval, ADNOC approval and ADNOC Vendor Registration and the process for obtaining and maintaining CICPA passes or any other related company set up, restructuring or local partner matters in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, Oman or Qatar then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@ppg.ae or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.

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