Is it just us who has noticed that ever since the UAE government appointed a Minister of Happiness, life has been just that little bit easier for us in Dubai, and now there’s this…
There has been a change to the UAE visa system, and it’s for the better.
As part of the new process, residents can carry out all visa and residency transactions without having to step foot in any government office. Instead you can make your application at any of the authorised typing service centres dotted throughout the emirate (see the full list here).
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The new “UAE Vision System” was introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) as part of new efforts to help the public save time. This ties in with the new innovative vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who in recent meetings has highlighted the importance of facilitating governmental services.
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“UAE Vision System is a new system where public members will be able to visit any of the typing service offices and submit their transactions all without having to visit the GDRFA building or any of the centres to complete their transactions as everything will be done at the typing centre only,” said Colonel Hussein Ibrahim, Assistant of the Director-General for administrative support at GDRFA.
The system allows for transactions including applying for a visa, renewing residency, applying for new residency and visa cancelation to be carried out at any typing centre.
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In order to ensure a smooth process, applicants must provide accurate information to the typing centre including valid phone numbers, address and email to ensure that communication can be maintained.After application forms are processed, visit visa-related transactions will be sent to the individual’s email and those applying for residency visa service will have it sent to them via Zajel courier service.
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“People will only be asked to visit an immigration office in case of any discrepancies or problems,” a spokesperson clarified to Gulf Business.
No change has been announced regarding visa fees.
Image: Getty
