The UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has announced the temporary closure of all immigration and passport offices across the country from Saturday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in observance of Martyrs’ Day and the 53rd UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad).
This closure affects all GDRFA offices, Amer centers, typing offices, and the Al Aweer Center, which handles cases related to residency law violations, visas, and visit permits. Regular operations will resume on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
What This Means for Residents and Travelers
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Plan Ahead: If you have pending visa applications, renewals, or extensions, it’s advisable to complete them before November 30 to avoid delays.
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Overstay Issues: Address any visa overstays promptly. Failing to do so before the holiday closure could result in fines or legal complications.
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Grace Period: The GDRFA has reminded residents benefiting from the grace period for resolving residency law violations that this period, which provides exemption from late fees, is set to conclude on December 31, 2024.
Emergency Services
For urgent matters during the holiday period, the Customer Happiness Center at Dubai Airport, Terminal 3 (Arrivals Hall) will remain operational 24/7.
Celebrations Across the UAE
The 53rd UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, will be celebrated with various cultural and entertainment events, including concerts, fireworks, and patriotic performances. Events will take place at locations such as Bluewaters, JBR, Dubai Festival City, and Al Seef, with spectacular fireworks displays set for December 1, 2, and 3.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their immigration-related activities accordingly to ensure a smooth experience during the holiday period.
