Dubai residents must clear traffic fines to renew visas, says GDRFA chief

Dubai: Residents in Dubai will no longer be able to renew or cancel their residency visas if they have outstanding traffic fines, the emirate’s top immigration official said.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has announced the implementation of a new electronic system that links residency-related transactions with the Dubai Police Traffic Fines System. Under the new system, residents must settle all outstanding traffic fines before proceeding with any residency renewal, cancellation or transfer requests.

During a media briefing held on Wednesday, the GDRFA confirmed that the electronic linkage is currently in a pilot phase and applies to individuals applying for the renewal, cancellation, or transfer of their residency. The authority clarified that no residency renewal, status modification, or cancellation requests submitted from within the UAE will be accepted unless all traffic fines have been cleared.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, urged residents to respect local laws and take responsibility for pending penalties.

“We are doing everything for the residents. Live here, follow the rules,” Al Marri told reporters.

“If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments. We are not making it difficult for people. This policy is not meant to burden residents, but rather to ensure that everyone respects the law.”

The GDRFA chief said the policy is not intended to burden residents but to ensure everyone respects the law.

“If you like to live in the country in a good way, following the rules, respecting the country, follow the rules of the country. We don't have to force anyone to come and pay.”

Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, Al Marri said that residents must not disregard traffic violations or delay in settling accumulated fines, which often increase over time due to non-payment.

“The UAE is a nation governed by the rule of law. It has consistently been ranked among the most secure and stable countries in the world, thanks to its comprehensive legal framework that safeguards the rights and responsibilities of both citizens and residents.

The UAE Constitution upholds the rule of law, justice, and equality, while protecting civil liberties such as freedom of movement and expression. From this standpoint, we call on all residents to adhere to traffic regulations, avoid violations, and promptly pay any fines without unjustifiable delays or excuses,” Al Marri said.
He pointed out that traffic departments have observed a growing trend of violators evading payment of traffic fines, with some debts reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dirhams, despite repeated awareness campaigns and warnings by the Ministry of Interior and traffic departments.
The new initiative requires residents to clear all outstanding traffic fines before beginning the residency visa renewal process.
“Residents must provide proof of payment before initiating the renewal process. To facilitate this, we urge all residents in Dubai to comply with this policy. We are also open to reviewing individual cases where fines have accumulated and are ready to consider instalment plans for payment prior to starting the visa renewal process,” Al Marri noted.

“Our goal is to make Dubai a city free from traffic violations – a city where roads, transportation, and public spaces reflect the modern and progressive image of the UAE. We firmly believe that abiding by laws and regulations represents the highest form of civic advancement in any society,” Al Marri added.

The initiative aims to enhance coordination between government entities and to promote greater compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those related to traffic safety and the well-being of the community.