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Five more DNRD branches by Sept

DUBAI — In a move to decentralise its services, the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) will be launching five new fully functional branch offices at different locations in the emirate by September next, revealed Brigadier Saeed Matar bin Bleilah, Director General, DNRD.

To ensure accuracy, security and convenience of passenger using the e-gate at the Dubai International Airport, a new equipment for facial, eyes and fingerprints is being designed by a US manufacturer according to DNRD specifications, said Matar bin Bleilah, adding that the first design will be handed over between next October or November.

Lieutenant-Colonel Khalid Majed Lootah, Assistant Director In-charge of IT and Quality, said: "The finger print proved difficult sometimes, especially with aged users of the e-gate card because of the age factor which has effect on the accuracy of the print. To maintain convenience of this segment of e-gate users, the department is working in cooperation with a manufacturing company to design an advanced machine where the finger, the eyes and the facial prints would be adopted for its e-gate facility."

Giving further details on DNRD's new branches, Lt-Col Lootah pointed out that the fully functional branches will be set up at Bin Souqat Centre at Al Rashidiya area, Dnata, Deira City Centre, Airport Free Zone and Al Hamriya area.

Dnata's branch will be operated around the clock whereas the rest four will be operated from 7.30am to 10pm.

"We are now preparing for the close launch of the branches at Bin Souqat and Deira City Centre. Bin Souqat's branch will be run by 18 employees and the Deira City Centre's by 60 staff who will work on three shifts system," he said. "The move is aimed at decentralising services and meeting public conveniences. After operating the five branches scheduled to be before next September, clients will not have to approach the department's main premises as they will be able to process all types of transactions and even get original copies of visa via machines similar to bank's ATM to be installed at these locations," he said.

The two already functioning branches of the Department at Jebel Ali and Dubai International Airport helped reduce the work pressure at the main premises.

"Decentralisation is always needed despite the online services which was another major tool that helped providing more convenient and faster services," noted Lt-Col Lootah, adding: "High numbers of clients opt to use the department's online services as reflected in statistics."

"The department processed 450,000 online visas during last year, whereas during just the first quarter, this number was as high as 350,000 visas," he said, adding: "Before launching online services, the department was handling just 5,000 transactions daily, whereas with the e-services, the number surged by ten times, 50,000 transactions daily."