The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the UAE has made it easier for the people to get UAE residence visa. The service called ‘E-channels’ for visa and residence allows residents to apply online for new visas or renewal, without visiting the department.

As part of the UAE Vision 2021, the aim of the Ministry of Interior is offer to smart government services. As a result of which General Mansour Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi, has urged the customers to complete entry and residence permits through the E-channels, or simply submit the application via https://echannels.moi.gov.ae

Typing centres that are registered in the ‘E-channels’ are available on www.adnrd.gov.ae. Once the applicant submits the documents online or at a typing centre, they can visit any customer service centre of the department regarding renewal of residence visas.

Those people, who are not able to use the application, can approach authorised typing or customer service centres to have their transaction processed. Thus immigration officers and the public will be greatly aided in the visa process.

Using “E-channels”, GCC citizens and residents can apply for visas, follow up on applications and print visas. Companies can also submit applications without having to visit General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs centres.

Under the smart system, Emiratis can apply to sponsor individuals, residents can apply for new visas, or renew or cancel and GCC nationals can apply to sponsor individuals while GCC residents can apply for new visa permit. Visitors can apply for new visa permit.