If you are a Dubai resident returning to the UAE from another country, you’ll need to apply for an Entry/Return Permit before you travel. This permit is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai.
The GDRFA is a government organisation that oversees the entry and exit of foreign nationals — as well as their residency — in the city. In this article, we will take a look at how residents can check for their GDRFA approval status before going back to Dubai.
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Guide to Checking GDRFA Approval Status
To avoid any problems while traveling, residents need to apply for an Entry/Return Permit before going back to Dubai. You can apply for this through the official website of GDRFA Dubai. You can also check the status of your application through the website.
What is GDRFA Approval?
As mentioned earlier, residence visa holders are required to get an approval from GDRFA before booking a flight and returning to Dubai. The process involves logging into the GDRFA Dubai website, entering your Resident File Number, and other information. This process usually takes a few days, and you can check the website for the status of your application.
Once your application has been approved, your Entry/Return Permit will be valid for 30 days, starting from the date of issuance. It is recommended that you apply for your permit at least two (2) weeks before your intended date of travel. This way, your permit would be valid during your departure, and you can avoid any possible problems.
How to Check GDRFA Approval Status Online
After applying for an Entry/Return Permit through the GDRFA Dubai website, you can check the status of your application from time to time. Here is a step-by-step guide to checking your GDRFA approval status:
1. Log into your account on the GDRFA website.
The first time you apply for an Entry/Return Permit, you will be asked to create an account on the GDRFA website. This involves entering your personal information and other details. Once you have created an account, you can log in to check your approval status.
2. Select the “Special Requests” option.
Upon logging in, select the “Special Requests” option and enter your application number. Select your nationality from the drop-down menu, and solve the “captcha.” Then, click on the “Search” tab.
3. Check your approval status.
After clicking on the “Search” tab, your application status will be displayed. In particular, your approval status will be indicated in the last column. At this point, you will also be able to view the history of your previous applications.
When you see that your application has been approved, you can download the approved document. Once again, please note that your Entry/Return Permit will be valid for 30 days, so make sure that your travel date is within this period.
Video – How to Check GDRFA Approval Status
Just to give you a better idea on how you can check your GDRFA approval status online, here is a video showing the different steps you’ll need to take:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the process for checking for GDRFA approval:
1. What is GDRFA approval?
Dubai residents who are returning from outside the UAE need to apply for an Entry/Return Permit, which is approved and issued by GDRFA Dubai. It is recommended that you apply for this permit at least two weeks before your intended date of travel.
2. How to check GDRFA approval status?
You can check the status of your application through the official website of GDRFA Dubai. This involves logging into your account, entering your application number, and following the steps onscreen until you are able to view your application status.
3. The entry permit is valid for how long?
Once approved, the Entry/Return Permit will be valid for 30 days, starting from the date of issuance. For example, if your application was approved on 15th June, it will be valid until 15th July. The important thing is to make sure that your date of travel falls within the validity period of your permit.
4. What if my application was rejected?
Rejection or disapproval of an application rarely happens. Nonetheless, if your application has been rejected, you can re-apply for GDRFA approval after five (5) days. That being said, we also urge you to contact GDRFA if your application was rejected. There might be important concerns or problems that you need to address before you can go back to the UAE, so it’s best to contact them directly.
5. How can I learn more about GDRFA approval?
You can learn more about GDRFA approval and how to check your status by calling GRDFA at +971 800 511, or by sending an email to amer@gdrfad.gov.ae. Please see below for their contact information.
Contact Information: GDRFA Dubai
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Entry/Return Permit application and other related matters, you can get in touch with GDRFA Dubai through the following contact details:
Address: 170 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St., Al Jaffiliya, Dubai (opposite Max Metro Station)
Telephone: +971 800 5111
Email: amer@gdrfad.gov.ae
Website: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gdrfadubai/
Google Map Location
The main office of GDRFA Dubai is situated at Al Jaffliya, next to Bur Dubai Police Station, and across from Jaffliya Metro station. Here is their location on Google Maps, for your reference:
Summary
For residence visa holders, getting an Entry/Return Permit before going back to Dubai is a must. You will need to create an account on the GDRFA website, apply online, and check your status from time to time. Once your permit has been approved though, you can expect to have a hassle-free travel when you go back to Dubai.
DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you are a residence visa holder who is planning to go back to Dubai. Please note that the above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. To know more about how to check your application status, please visit the official website and Facebook page of GDRFA.
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