No photocopies will be accepted for GDRFA services

Dubai: Photocopied documents are no longer accepted for any transactions at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affair (GDRFA), an official from the directorate revealed.

Those submitting visa applications or any transactions at the GDRFA are required to hand over the original copies of their identification documents, applications and any other documents required for the transaction. In addition to their original Emirates ID cards, visa applicants and sponsors are also required to submit their International Bank Account Number (IBAN). The IBAN consists of up to 34 alphanumeric characters, comprising a country code, two cheque digits and a long and detailed bank account number.

Although the requirement has been in effect since October 14, some exceptions will be made. However, the GDRFA has stressed that they will be stern about the new requirements from November 15, and will refuse to carry out transactions for those who submit copies.

The new conditions are applicable to all GDRFA branches and typing centres across the emirate.

Maj Gen Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, director-general of the GDRFA, said the new rule will help the GDRFA continue to better its services.

“We are constantly endeavouring to develop our services and keep our customer satisfaction rate at a high,” he said. “The GDRFA is striving to ensure homeland security by adopting the highest technological standards on all levels and in improving the ability of our officers to work quickly and more efficiently.”

He added that though the new rule is already in place, those who are already in the midst of carrying out transactions with the GDRFA will be exempted. “From November 15, we will not exempt anyone from the rule,” Maj Gen Al Merri said. “Everyone is required to give in their original documents at all branches of the GDRFA and typing centres.”