Dubai Launches Virtual Amer Service to Improve Visa Procedures

Have you been unable to renew your Emirates ID or get a resident visa because of missing or unclear paperwork? You may finish the process from anywhere as long as you have access to video conferencing services; visiting an Amer center in Dubai is not required.

Effortless Resolution of Document Issues

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has unveiled its innovative Virtual Amer Service, which was showcased at Gitex Global 2023. This service promises to simplify and expedite the visa application process while ensuring that applicants can conveniently resolve any document-related issues without the need for physical visits to Amer centers.

The Virtual Amer Service comes into play when a visa officer identifies any missing or unclear documents during the application process. Instead of requiring the applicant to visit an Amer center to address these issues, the problem can now be effortlessly resolved using the Virtual Amer Service. Applicants can interact with a GDRFA officer in real-time through this online platform.

Personalized interaction, not chatbots

Unlike chatbots that rely on automated responses, the Virtual Amer Service facilitates direct and personalized interaction between the applicant and a GDRFA representative. This direct interaction ensures that the applicant can seek clarification, provide necessary documents, and resolve any discrepancies without the need for physical presence.

Streamlined Procedure for All Visa Types

This virtual service is applicable to all visa categories, including resident, student, visit, golden, and green visas. Applicants who encounter delays in their application processing due to missing or unclear documents will be required to participate in a video conference with GDRFA officers to address the issue promptly.

Time-saving and enhanced efficiency

The straightforward procedure for the Virtual Amer Service allows applicants to access the platform from anywhere remotely. The GDRFA officer reviews the documents, identifies any discrepancies, and informs the applicant. The applicant can then submit the required documents via the chatbox, eliminating the need for in-person visits. This efficient process significantly reduces transaction times and enhances the overall experience for applicants.

Availability and Future Expansion

Currently, the Virtual Amer Service is available on weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, there are plans to extend its availability to around-the-clock service, providing greater accessibility and convenience for applicants. In addition to the Virtual Amer Service, applicants can contact the Amer call center anytime, day or night, by dialing the toll-free number 8005111.

This introduction of the Virtual Amer Service represents GDRFA-Dubai's commitment to employing advanced technology to simplify visa applications and ensure a smooth experience for residents, students, and visitors in Dubai. The service has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with 250,000 transactions handled during the first two months of its initial phase in 2023.

As GDRFA-Dubai continues to explore ways to enhance its services, the Virtual Amer Service offers a promising solution for more efficient visa application processing and issue resolution. The ongoing digital transformation is expected to further improve the convenience and accessibility of services related to residency and visa matters.

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