Apply for UAE visa using a new app

System forms part of Ministry of Interior’s plan to achieve paperless transactions by 2015

Abu Dhabi: A new smart phone application that enables individuals to apply for visas to the UAE has been launched by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Sunday.

The app, which covers several types of visas, is connected to a database containing all the applicant’s information, the official news agency WAM quoted officials as saying.

This allows the software to automatically check for information quickly and accurately, and inform users accordingly in case any changes needed to be made.

Upon issuance, visa will be delivered to users to the location they specify.

Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, said the initiative will allow citizens and residents of the UAE to get access to routine services without being required to visit any MoI centre except in cases where doing so is needed.

Al Khaili added his department will seek to achieve paperless transactions by next year. Work is in progress to enabling visas to be sent out to ports and individuals via e-mail.