UAE entry permits to go online

Expatriates in Bahrain can now apply online for entry permits to visit United Arab Emirates(UAE), officials in UAE confirmed. The new online visa application system will allow expatriate residents of GCC to obtain their entry permits to UAE as the nation prepares to completely stop the visa on arrival facility for GCC residents. Dubai is one of the most important tourist attractions for residents of Bahrain. According to media reports, Dubai is consistently the top destination during Eid holidays. Official sources said, the move comes with the intention of reducing paperwork and inconvenience to travellers. “The service aims to expedite passenger movement at airports and relieve GCC residents of the hassle of waiting in queues for their visit visas, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs announced on Wednesday,” the Gulf News reported. “The online visa application system also features an online payment method, which will help passengers avoid the long queues to pay visa fees. As of now, the online system is not compulsory but merely an option for those who would like to complete the visa issuance procedure before arriving to the country,” the report read. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Director-General Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri said he encourages all GCC residents to apply for entry permits through the online portal. “We are gradually introducing the system to allow the public to become more familiar with it before it becomes compulsory. The new system aims at making the entire entry-permit procedure a lot more convenient for GCC residents,” he was quoted as telling the Gulf News. “By applying and paying the fees online, they will be able to avoid the long queues at airports to get a visit visa. The residency department in Dubai is working to facilitate the procedures for all visitors and residents [from GCC countries] in order to make their visit to Dubai an enjoyable experience,” he added.