May 08, 2009Security Kiosk - DNRD unveils first mobile visa kiosk in Dubai
The unit is the first of seven self-service visa processing units the DNRD plans to install in popular malls across Dubai to make them more accessible to residents and businesses. Speaking at the launch, Maj. Gen. Mahommad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of DNRD, said: “The self service kiosk is of particular use to people who work long hours. Now they do not need to take leave of absence to complete their residence/visa-related paperwork requirements. They can do it at their leisure while shopping or spending time with their families at Burjuman center. He said these kiosks are part of a bigger plan of the DNRD to simplify the procedures and to use the latest data management technology to offer quality services. “They will be strategically placed across town to offer customers in various Dubai areas the convenience of DNRD services 24/7.” Lt. Col. Khaled Nasser Al Razooqi, Assistant Director General in Charge of Information Technology at DNRD, said: “We’re hoping to put the same system in several malls across in Dubai. The system is designed to simply procedures ... and it’s actually cheaper. A regular visa printed at DNRD costs Dh70, including typing service. M-visa costs just Dh20,” said Al Razooqi.
The M-Visa service will shorten the passport control entry process and will save vistors’ time. When applying for an entry permit -- either through DNRD offices or using online applications at www.ednrd.ae or www.eform.ae -- customers will be requested to make the necessary payments to give them access to the M-visa facilities. The M-Visa machine at Burjuman allows Dubai residents to receive entry visa permits in the form of a bar code transmitted by SMS or email. “A visitor can simply walk from the aircraft to the passport control counter, show the barcode sent to his mobile phone together with his passport,” Al Razooqi explained, adding that the system can work with any type of phone or mobile personal digital assistant (PDA) device. Upon arrival at any of the UAE entry points through Dubai, the barcode scanner set up at the DNRD checkpoints will read the details of the entry permit directly off the mobile devices (PDAs or simple mobile phones of the visitors. An immigration officer simply scans the barcode on the visitor’s mobile phone. After checking the identity of the visitor against the information on the passport, the original visa will be printed immediately. From the self-service kiosks, Dubai residents can also check the status of their visa, print out their resident/visit visa and visa extension. Second Lt. Aamer Rashid Al Mehairi, Head of Programme Quality Assurance at DNRD, explained that the kiosk works like an ATM machine with a touch-screen. Payments for four transactions available through the kiosk can be made with cash or credit card. “This can be used by both individuals or corporates.”
HOW TO APPLY FOR MOBILE VISA 1. Log in to www.eform.ae 2. In the online form for M-Visa, fill up the name, mobile number and email of sponsor 3. Type name and mobile number of visitor coming from outside UAE 4. Once approved by DNRD staff at the other end, both sponsor and visitor will receive SMS message on their mobile phones with a barcode 5. Upon arrival at any port of entry in Dubai, visitor can show barcode sent to their mobile phone for scanning by a special machine. 6. A visa printout can also be requested for a Dh20 fee SERVICES AVAILABLE ON SELF SERVICE KIOSK (AMER SERVICE) 1. Check status of residence/visit visa 2. Printout resident/visit visa 3. Check residence or visit visa overstay/validity (Sponsors can check status of all persons under their sponsorship) 4. Print out visit visa extension forms 5. Request for passport renewal (for UAE nationals only) DNRD toll-free number: 8005111 Email: [email protected].
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Dubai - The next time you apply for an immigration-related transaction in Dubai, you may head to the nearest mall. This is made possible by a self-service and mobile visa (m-visa) machines unveiled by the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) at Burjuman Centre, a popular mall, on Thursday. 
