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Sun, Dec 22, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 21, 1446 | DXB
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UAE: Japan e-visas to be available from September 1 at two centres
Appointments for short- and long-term visas can be secured online at no extra charge
UAE-based travellers eligible for e-visas to Japan will be able to apply for them from September 1 through VFS Global. Applications can be made at branches in Wafi Mall, Dubai, and The Mall, Abu Dhabi.
VFS Global and the Japanese missions in the UAE inaugurated the visa application centres at both venues on Thursday.
Appointments for short- and long-term visas can be secured online at no extra charge. At the centres, all applicants are required to pay a Dh100 service fee in addition to the visa costs.
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When asked how long it takes for the visas to be issued, a spokesperson for VFS Global told Khaleej Times: “The average processing time for a visa to Japan is eight working days, but may extend up to three weeks, depending on the documents submitted.”
The company has “no role” in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. “Decision making on the granting or refusal of visa is the sole prerogative and sole responsibility of the Embassy and the Consulate.”
VFS Global said its role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only. These include collecting visa application forms and required documentation as per the checklist.
As Khaleej Times reported, the e-visa service was suspended for some UAE residents in April. Applications had to be done via the consulate. However, now, the missions will not accept the applications directly.
Japanese missions in the UAE have partnered with VFS Global to respond to the “ever-increasing number of visa applications”, Consul General of Japan to Dubai Imanishi Jun said.
“We hope that those wishing to travel to Japan will benefit from more convenient and faster visa services and that this centre will serve as a base for promoting people-to-people exchanges between Japan, the UAE and Dubai and further develop bilateral relations between our two countries.”
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Sahim Salim
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does - and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.
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