People from all over the world can now get UAE visa via video calls.
Dubai residents can also enquire about missing documents and complete residency-related applications via video conferencing.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) launched the service on Wednesday, January 11. The service enables customers. both from inside and outside the country, to communicate directly with the department’s employees.
UAE visa via video calls
Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA, said at a media conference that the service could be used for issuing and renewing all kinds of visas — residency, golden and green visa, student and visit visas, as well as issuances and renewals of electronic passports.
Though Dubai’s new video call service, customers can submit documents to GDRFA within 5 minutes – no need to visit its “customer happiness service centres”. The video conferencing will eventually be expanded to be a 24-hour service, with the aim of cutting down physical visits to service centres.
During the online meeting, people will be able to upload the required documents or pictures via the chat box while speaking with the officer.
The service takes smart government to a higher level – as customers can also request the service via the website or the app of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA). Also the service can be reached through the Amer service number on 8005111. Amer call center is for enquires before applying, but the video conference service will be for people who have already submitted an application, and there has been a delay.
Any device that supports a front camera can be used.
The official explained that if certain documents are lacking during application process, the customer can send them in the chat box. The concerned officer will simply upload them and attach them to the application.
The service will be available seven days a week between 8am and 6pm.
“Zero Visit” target
The department aims to implement its “zero visit” to the administration, by implementing the new service of getting UAE visa via video calls.
In rare cases, if the officer was unable to complete an application, the officer will send a link to applicant to schedule an appointment to visit the administration.
You might also like: UAE to ban single-use plastic bags from 2024
