Residents who sponsor family members on visit visas in Dubai can reclaim the refundable security deposit once their relative leaves the country or changes their visa status. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) handles these refunds, which must be requested within 30 days of the passenger’s departure.
Eligibility and timeline
A refund can be requested only after the visitor has exited the UAE or switched their visa. Applications submitted after 30 days of departure may not be accepted. Residents can apply online via the GDRFAD website or in person at an Amer Centre in Dubai.
Refund amounts and fees
The visit visa security deposit in Dubai includes:
The refund is typically credited to the applicant’s bank account within two working days after approval.
Documents required
Applicants must provide proof of the visitor’s exit from the UAE. Acceptable documents include:
In some cases, proof of exit may not be required if the immigration system automatically updates the status upon the visitor’s departure.
How to apply online
To apply online:
The visit visa refund process provides relief to Dubai residents, ensuring they can recover deposits once sponsored visitors complete their stay or change visa status.
Eligibility and timeline
A refund can be requested only after the visitor has exited the UAE or switched their visa. Applications submitted after 30 days of departure may not be accepted. Residents can apply online via the GDRFAD website or in person at an Amer Centre in Dubai.
Refund amounts and fees
The visit visa security deposit in Dubai includes:
- Financial security deposit: Dh1,000
- Security deposit service fee: Dh20
- Collection and reimbursement fee: Dh40
The refund is typically credited to the applicant’s bank account within two working days after approval.
Documents required
Applicants must provide proof of the visitor’s exit from the UAE. Acceptable documents include:
- Passport exit stamp (scan or screenshot)
- Travel report from GDRFAD showing entry and exit dates with the passport number
- Copy of the visitor’s passport and visit visa
- Original receipt of the security deposit payment
In some cases, proof of exit may not be required if the immigration system automatically updates the status upon the visitor’s departure.
How to apply online
To apply online:
- Log in to the GDRFAD website ( www.gdrfad.gov.ae) using your UAE Pass.
- Go to ‘Existing Applications and Dependents’ on your dashboard.
- Enter the visit visa application number or transaction number, along with visa validity dates.
- Click on the relevant application and select ‘Refund’.
- Review refund details and click ‘Process Refund’.
- After submission, applicants receive a tracking number to monitor the refund status.
The visit visa refund process provides relief to Dubai residents, ensuring they can recover deposits once sponsored visitors complete their stay or change visa status.
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