Emiratis told to check passport validity
Residency department urges citizens to ensure documents are not nearing expiry if they plan to travel
The General Directorate of Residency and foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has called on Emiratis to renew their passports well before the expiry date if they plan to travel outside the country.
Colonel Ahmad Al Muhairi, Assistant Director for Citizenship Affairs at GDRFA, has requested Emiratis to check the expiry dates on their passports before planning their trips because the majority of countries refuse entry to tourists with passports close to their expiry date.
“Emiratis should pay attention to the expiry date on their passport and renew them six months before they are due to expire,” he said, adding that some only get to know their passports have expired at the airport while others figure out that their passports are missing or damaged when preparing to travel.
He said the Department of Citizenship at the GDRFA uses the best technologies to make it easier for Emiratis to renew their passports, such as the smart app called GDRFA Dubai.
“The app can be downloaded and used to request passport renewal. Users can log on to the services of the department and request what they need by filling the required information, mobile number, address, and the way they want to receive their renewed passport. They can then proceed for payment.”
He said users are guaranteed to receive their passport in one working day to the location they want, whether in Dubai or other emirates.
“Those requesting passport renewal do not need to visit any of the department’s offices. The passport is sent to them through the department’s delivery service called Sa’ee in one working day.”
Col Al Muhairi said passports can also be renewed or new family book issued by visiting the department’s offices in Al Jafliya, Al Manara, Al Twar, or service centre in Terminal three at Dubai International Airport or in Hatta.
Documents processed
Col Al Muhairi said that the Department of Citizenship has processed 17,261 documents in the first half of 2016. This number includes issuing 13,938 new passports and 3,323 new family book.
Colonel Ali Shaban, director of Travel Documents and Family Books in the Department of Citizenship, said there should be awareness on how to keep passports from getting damaged and keeping them away from the sun or any place that could cause them damage.
“Some come to replace their damaged passports or request passport replacement a day or hours before travelling.”
He also called on Emiratis to register their newborn for citizenship to avoid any delays.