Abu Dhabi: The embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi has opened its first external visa application centre in the UAE in partnership with VFS Global.
All non-UAE nationals who are based in the UAE and who require a visa to travel to Ireland will no longer need to visit the embassy. They can now submit their visa applications through VFS Global’s centre located in downtown Abu Dhabi.
Paul Kavanagh, ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, said the centre will offer seamless convenience to expatriates based in the UAE. “Applicants based in the UAE account for a predominant share among all visa applicants from the entire GCC. Our endeavour will be to offer best-in-class visa services with utmost efficiency to ensure a delightful customer experience,” Kavanagh said.
UAE nationals wishing to visit Ireland are exempt from all visa requirements.
The Ireland visa application centre in the UAE is the third outsourced processing centre of Ireland in the GCC region in partnership with VFS Global, which now operates such centres for Ireland in 15 countries across the world.
The centre is managed by professionals who are trained to provide secure and time-efficient processing of entry permit requirements in a friendly ambience. Applicants can also opt for the comfort of a premium lounge for more personalised service.
Some of the key features of the centre include convenience in terms of location, automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants and a dedicated website for easy access to information. This includes information on visa categories, requirements, check-list and applicable fees. Doorstep delivery of passports is another service VFS Global offers.
The new visa application centre is located at Level 25, Shining Tower on Mubarak Bin Mohammad Street next to Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Visa applicants based in the UAE can direct their queries to the call centre number +971 4 2055910 or email info.irelandUAE@vfshelpline.com to get in touch with the centre. For more information on visa application procedures, www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/uae is the portal to visit.
