The New GDRFA system processes 5.7m Dubai visa applications online this year

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) stated on Saturday that 5.7 million residencies and visit visa applications were processed in Dubai through a new online service system. Many enterprises in Dubai are using the online service to apply online for resident visas for their personnel, which is lowering consumer trips to GDRFA service centers. 

General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri (director of Dubai said that the decision to convert to an electronic platform was part of the directorate's attempt to offer its services online for greater customer convenience. According to him, his department processed 5.7 million applications from January to August. 1.9 million resident visas and 4.6 million entrance permits for company personnel were issued last year. "In the past, big enterprises needed time and effort to do their work, such as issuing visa permits and renewing and issuing residency visas for their staff, but with the online service, time and expenses have been reduced," Al Marri stated.

When requested for your Resident File Number throughout the GDRFA Dubai visa application procedure, you can find it on your visa under 'File.' To monitor the status of your application, go to the GDRFA website. You will receive an email with a GDRFA reference number once your application is approved. You can try again after four days if the application cannot be processed at the time of the request. Keep your GDRFA Application Number handy in case you need it to make your trip arrangements. When traveling, please bring a copy of the GDRFA approval email with you, as you may be asked to show it.

Way to get approval from GDRFA

For Dubai visa holders, you must apply online for clearance with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Follow these steps to do so.

Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website 

You need to visit the official GDRFA website first.

Step 2: Search for the applicant

Then, you'll need to look for the applicant using the resident visa number.

Step 3: Provide travel details

Basic information such as your name in English and Arabic, as well as your passport number, will be generated by the system.

There will be a section for travel details underneath the "Applicant information." Enter the country from which you'll be flying and the airport where you'll be landing. If you are infected with COVID-19, check this box to certify that you will cover the costs of quarantine.

Step 4: Upload documents

Upload papers such as a copy of your passport, a photograph, the results of your PCR test, and your COVID-19 immunization certificate.

Step 5: Confirm your Dubai visa application's details before sending it.

If your application is approved, the GDRFA will send you an email notification.

Check your GDRFA Dubai visa application status

To re-enter Dubai from outside the UAE, Dubai residents now require a special return permit. As a result, they must submit the needed application through the GDRFA website, where they may also track the status of their application using the Status Tracking area.

To track the status of your GDRFA application, you must enter the application number and other search terms. The procedures are as follows:

• Select Special Requests from the drop-down menu here.
• Then, using the drop-down menu, enter the Dubai visa application number you have on hand and select National.
• Finally, click the reCAPTCHA "I'm not a robot" and then the Search button.
• The status of the Search Result would either be "In Process" or "Approved."
• You can download the Approved document, which is the Return Permit for Resident Outside UAE, by clicking the Approved button. You can also look at the application, look at the history, and download apps.

Required documents to get GDRFA approval 

• In the UAE or elsewhere, a vaccination certificate is issued and approved. The last required dosage of the vaccination must have been provided at least 14 days ago.
• A current passport.
• A valid visa for residence.
• A valid Emirates ID is required.
• A successful PCR test result.
• A current vaccination certificate.
• A valid email address is required.

Conclusion

The Visa Team will submit the request to the appropriate authorities, but approval or denial will be determined by the GDRFA. The processing time is limited to three days under the GDRFA and may be extended at the discretion of the authorities. You can get your GDRFA visa just after submission of your application at GDRFA official website or you can also mail your Dubai visit visa application details to amer@gdrfad.gov.ae. Still, if you have any confusion or any question regarding the GDRFA, readers can now reach us anytime either by phone or mail.