Dubai:The video call service launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has received an overwhelming response, with 52,212 calls recorded in the first half of 2025. The initiative, aimed at streamlining visa services, allows users to communicate directly with immigration officers without visiting service centers.Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, revealed that the majority of these calls (42,433) were related to entry and residency permit services. Other major categories included establishment card services (5,782 calls), financial services (2,850 calls), and passport delivery-related inquiries (1,147 calls).The video call facility was introduced in 2023 to enhance efficiency in handling residency and immigration services while eliminating delays. It enables real-time interaction with GDRFA officers, helping applicants complete procedures from the comfort of their homes.Available through the official GDRFA website and the GDRFA DXB mobile app, the service operates Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Fridays in two shifts—from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Each video call typically lasts about one minute, and call appointments are usually scheduled within 48 hours after application submission or officer review.GDRFA emphasized that while the visa services in Dubai are already among the most accessible and efficient, confusion in visa application forms often delays processing. The video call platform addresses this challenge by offering applicants direct support, improving clarity and reducing turnaround times.
“This user-friendly service allows applicants to avoid visiting offices and enables them to complete their visa procedures more efficiently,” said GDRFA officials. “It not only saves time and effort but also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to providing smart and customer-centric government services.”
The initiative underscores Dubai’s focus on enhancing visa processing efficiency and reflects the emirate’s broader vision of providing accessible and innovative public services for residents and visitors alike. Authorities have encouraged applicants to make full use of the video call service to resolve queries and complete visa-related transactions smoothly.For general visa-related inquiries, the public can call the GDRFA toll-free number: 800 5111. However, GDRFA clarified that the video call service is specifically for resolving issues related to already submitted service applications through official channels.
