A new mobile application through which residents and expats can easily obtain visas was released recently. The new app is part of the efforts to make transactions paperless by the arrival of the new 2015.
The mobile application offers different types of visas, including long-term and short-term visas and visas for domestic workers. It has automatic access to database of the Ministry of Interior, as well as to all the information on the visa applicant.
According to UAE’s Ministry of Interior, the app is very quick and accurate. In addition, through it, individuals can make any changes on their application if necessary. Also, they will have instant access to many routine services, which would save them the trip to an authorized centre. The transactions will be automatically audited. In addition, applicants will receive the visa directly at a place of their choice.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the few countries that has made visa application available through a mobile app. There are a number of governments that have a visa-related mobile application. For instance, the U.S. has launched an app via which visa applicants can pay their application fees. Australia also has a number of travel and tourism apps. However, they are more connected to holiday planning, instead of visa application. Therefore, the UAE is a true pioneer in this field.
Apart from the new mobile app, UAE residents and citizens will still be able to obtain visas online through the official website of the country’s Ministry of Interior. Only in some limited cases, applicants may be required to visit the necessary centers, even if they are relying on these electronic application solutions.
By 2015 most of the transactions will become paperless. Apart applying for visa via a mobile app, soon people will be able to obtain visas through e-mails and ports.
