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Dubai awareness campaign on visa-related issues: GDRFA announces end of phase 1

The authority extended its appreciation to the City Centre Deira management for its valuable contribution to day 1 of the campaign

Published: Sat 25 Feb 2023, 1:51 PM

Updated: Sat 25 Feb 2023, 10:36 PM

  • By
  • Angel Lee Tesorero and Nasreen Abdulla

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The first phase of a campaign by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai to help people with their visa-related issues has concluded.

This means the GDRFA stand, which opened on Saturday morning at the City Centre Deira, is now closed. A new site for the stand will be announced soon as part of the second phase of the campaign.

According to a statement issued by GDRFA to Khaleej Times, the authority said more details of the next campaign will be announced soon.

“The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has successfully completed the first phase of its awareness campaign 'A Homeland for All',” read the statement.

“We extend our appreciation to City Centre Deira management for their valuable contribution. Stay tuned for the upcoming second phase and a new site location to be announced soon. Your engagement is the key to our success. We're committed to making you happy!”

Awareness drive not amnesty

People turned out in large numbers to the stand in City Centre Deira by the GDRFA to seek help for their visa-related issues. Some came as early as 7am to seek guidance on how they could fix their status of overstay or update expired documents.

Khaleej Times can confirm that the campaign is not an amnesty, but a general awareness drive meant to educate people on what legal options they could pursue in case of visa-related issues.

“It’s a great initiative by the government to implement such a campaign that would not only educate overstaying expats but it’s also a humanitarian act that could boost the morale of those who are facing visa problems,” said Filipino expat Geoffrey Salatan, who is also managing director of Pinas Travel.

A female Indian national who visited the GDRFA at City Centre Deira on Saturday said she and her compatriots came “to get a better understanding of their status as well as get clarification and guidance on the next steps they should take to solve their concern”.

‘We are here to help’

In an earlier social media post, GDRFA said the awareness drive is aimed at encouraging “a culture of compliance with entry and residence laws.” Lt. Col. Salem bin Ali, Director of the Client Happiness Department at GDRFA advised people to approach the stand without fear. “Even if you have overstayed for 10 years, our staff will find a solution for you,” he said in an Instagram story.

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