Dubai will no longer renew visa without clearing traffic fines

DUBAI: Dubai authorities linked residency visa renewals to the clearance of all unpaid traffic fines before they can renew, cancel, or transfer their visas under a newly piloted system launched and overseen the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

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The initiative integrates Dubai police’s traffic fine database with the immigration system; this will enable real-time verification of any pending traffic fines before processing visa requests.

The system is still in its pilot phase. It aims to encourage compliance with traffic laws and reduce the otherwise rampant delay in fine payments.

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The Director General of the GDRFA stated that the goal is not to create hardship but to ensure residents respect the law. For those with large outstanding fines exceeding 3,000 dirhams ($817) zero-interest installment payment plans were available through the Dubai police online portal and affiliated banks.