All you need to know about GDRFA, Dubai
GDRFA, or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, is a Dubai-based government entity that regulates international travellers’ entry and exit and foreign nationals’ residency. Each year the organisation processes applications from thousands of visitors to the UAE and is ranked amongst the world’s top ports and border directorates.
All about the GDRFA
GDRFA’s services are directly related to tourists and expats in Dubai. Hence, the entity plays a pivotal role in assisting and facilitating the entry and exit (clearance) of people who visit or live in Dubai. Moreover, it allows talented individuals to join organisations in the UAE and sponsor their families. Contributions in the economic sector made by tourists and professionals settling in the emirate from abroad are huge. And all this won’t be possible without highly efficient GDRFA services.
Over the years, the regulatory authority has streamlined its processes resulting in quick, prompt responses. You can request services online via the official GDRFA website or visit service centres distributed across multiple locations in the city.
GDRFA Services
Here’s an overview of the most popular GDRFA services.
Family Book Services
GDRFA takes care of everything related to the Family Book. This includes services/modification of the book linked to marriage or separation, adding a newborn child to the books, replacing a damaged or lost book, terminating a registration, and other services.
Passport Services
GDRFA passport services include replacing a damaged/lost passport, issuing a passport for a foreign wife (husband dependent), issuing a passport for a newborn child and issuing an electronic passport. Moreover, passport renewals are part of their services.
Entry Permits Services
The scope of GDRFA entry permit services includes requests for a residency entry permit, requests for a long or short-visit visa and extensions or cancellations of a visit visa.
Residency Services
Residency services are also part of GDRFA’s domain. Hence, if you want a new visa, visa renewal or a Residency Permit update, you must contact GDRFA. Similarly, the addition or removal of escort services, change in status, residency permit transfer and cancellation also are entertained at GDRFA. One of the GDRFA online services includes checking your visa status in the UAE.
GDFRA Inquiry Service also allows users to find their Unified Number.
Borders Control Services
All entries through the land, air or marine ports are monitored and registered by GDRFA.
Establishment Support Services
Establishment Support Services at the GDRFA include process requests at the supporting establishments. These cover supporting any company’s electronic services portal, banning services, and services of enterprise representatives.
Violation Control
The Violation Control department primarily focuses on border control, violation control (documentation) and violators’ follow-up. It ensures the system is not misused and everyone in Dubai follows the set legal procedure.
Mobile Services 150
This service can be used to inquire about Residence, Entry Permits or Overstays. Both individuals and establishments can use these services.
Jadeed
Jadeed is an SMS-based reminder and event invite service. You can register for reminders about the following services:
- Establishment Card Expiry Reminder
- Passport Expiry Reminders For UAE Residents
- Residence Expiry Reminder
- GITEX Invitations
- DSF Invitations
- Passport Expiry Reminder for UAE Nationals
- E-Gate Card Expiry Reminder
- Security Messages
- RSA Token Reminders to Establishments
- Dnrd.ae Website SMS Messages
- Dnrd.ae Web Portal SMS Messages
IVR Services
Through IVR System, any establishment can request reports regarding the individuals they have sponsored. Currently, requests can be made for four types of reports.
- Valid Entry Permit report
- Entry Permit violator’s report
- Valid Residence report
- Residence violator’s report
Barq Services
Using Barq Services, you can apply for any documentation from your home or office. A delivery team member will collect all documents and fulfil all the protocols. Home or office delivery will be made once the document is ready.
Distinguished Guest Services
This is a special service for people who visit Dubai frequently via a sponsor. Benefits include:
- An E-Gate card allows quick and easy entry and exit.
- Renewal of the subscription rather than re-registration.
- One-time payment facility rather than paying every time for a new visa.
- Specified gateway for DG(s) and E-Gate cardholders.
Takamol
This is the data-sharing process between GDRFA and Dubai Health Authority to ensure no fraud is committed.
Smart Gate
Smart Gate is a faster alternative to e-gates and manual passport control counters. It allows passengers to go through immigration processes without the assistance of an immigration officer. At the Smart Gate, travellers can use passports, e-gate cards, Emirates IDs or QR barcodes.
Al Saada
The Al Saada card is a loyalty concessions program launched by the GDRFA. Companies (for employees) and tourists can register for this card to benefit from discounts on various products and services.
FAQS
What is GDRFA Customer Centre Number?
GDRFA Customer Centre Number is 800-5111. If you need assistance, a GDRFA customer service representative will try and provide a solution to your query. Alternatively, you can use the Amer E-chat facility to ask questions.
Where are the GDRFA Service Centres located?
To request any of the above services, visit one of GDRFA’s Customer Service Centres.
- GDRFA Head Quarters, Al Jaffilya
- Tawar Center Section
- Hatta Section
- Free Zone Section- Dubai International Airport
- Airport Services Center
- Almanara Center Section
- Alissely section
Amer Centres in Dubai also offer these services. Visit the official website for GDRFA online services.
This completes our review of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs services. The institution maintains law and order and regulates individuals visiting, living and working in Dubai. You can visit the official website to create a GDRFA login and use the services. Alternatively, you could also download the GDRFA app for a hassle-free experience.
So, now you know where to head whether you are sponsoring a family member, inviting a professional for your business or planning to renew an official document. Read up on the different types of visas before you start the process. For example, you could look at an investor visa in Dubai or a Dubai tourist visa. You can learn all about Dubai family visa price in our blog.
Have you moved recently to the UAE? Visit MyBayut to learn more about life in the UAE.
