Somaya Saad, Staff Reporter
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) issued more than 29,000 visit visas for relatives or friends during the first half of this year, said Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and Residence Sector at GDRFA.
The results reflected the efficiency of the work system and its ability to keep pace with the increasing growth in the volume of transactions, which enhances GDRFA’s leadership in providing proactive services that met customers’ aspirations, he added.
A visa to visit a relative or friend is available to those wishing to visit the emirate, whether for a single trip or for multiple ones, within easy and quick digital procedures that allow customers to complete the application in record time, he said.
Al Ghaith explained that a customer can choose the duration of the visit in accordance with his needs, as the visa is available for 30, 60 or 90 days, with the possibility of extending the stay from the date of first entry into the country up to 120 days in accordance with the approved regulations and procedures.
Applying for a visa begins by selecting the duration and type of visit, whether it is for a single trip or multiple ones, then completing the application requirements, which include attaching a recent personal photo and a copy of passport valid for at least six months, he said.
Documents proving kinship or explaining the reasons for the visit as well as any other documents that may be required according to the nature of each case are also required, he added.
Applications can be submitted through GDRFA’s website, Dubai Now app and Amer customer happiness centres for customers to complete the procedures and pay the fees, he said, noting that the expected time to complete the visa application is about 48 hours after all the requirements had been fulfilled.
This service comes within an integrated system aimed at easing entry procedures for visitors to Dubai and providing flexible options that meet all needs of passengers, thus enhancing the emirate’s position as a global destination that attracts millions of visitors annually, he added.
GDRFA seeks to inform those wishing to visit the emirate about the types of visas available, the requirements of each service and the mechanism for applying for them, through simplified and clear digital content that makes it easier for the customer to choose the most appropriate visa according to the purpose of the visit, he said.
Meanwhile, GDRFA calls on all those wishing to visit Dubai to review the details of visas and available services before applying and to choose the category that matches the purpose of the trip, as this will contribute to speeding up procedures and ensuring that applications are completed according to the approved requirements, he added.