The Al Jafiliya Immigration Office is the Dubai headquarters of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It serves as Dubai’s main government immigration authority, handling all visa, residency, and foreign documentation matters in the emirate. This means anyone needing a UAE entry visa stamped, a resident visa renewed, or any other residency procedure will typically visit Jafiliya. Essentially, it is the central “visa command center” of Dubai: all residency permit issuances, visa renewals, cancellations, family sponsorship approvals, fine payments, and similar services are managed through this office.
Location & Directions
Location and Landmarks
The Al Jafiliya Immigration Office is located at 166 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street in the Al Jafiliya area of Bur Dubai. It sits directly behind the Bur Dubai Police Station (the Traffic Department building) and is adjacent to Zabeel Park. A key landmark is the Al Jafiliya Metro Station (Red Line), which is right across the street from the office. You’ll recognize the building by its distinctive white government signage. Other nearby references include the Bur Dubai Post Office and the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street. These make it easy to find once you’re on Sheikh Khalifa Street.
Getting There
There are several convenient ways to reach Jafiliya Immigration. By Metro, take the Dubai Metro Red Line to the Al Jafiliya station; the office is just a short walk across the street from the station. By Bus, Dubai RTA buses serving Bur Dubai drop passengers near Sheikh Khalifa Street – use the RTA Journey Planner app or website to pick the best route. By Car, drive along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (also known as Trade Center Road) and look for signs to Bur Dubai Police. Paid parking is available on the street and around Zabeel Park, but spaces can fill up on busy days, so allow extra time. In all cases, having landmarks like the police station and Metro in mind will help you navigate easily.
Visa & Residency Services
Visa Issuance & Renewal
At the Al Jafiliya Immigration Office, you can apply for and process most types of visas and residence permits. This includes visa stamping for new entries and the issuance/renewal of residence visas for work, residence, or Golden Visas. For example, if you have a new job or are switching sponsors, you visit to finalize the residence visa in your passport. If you are already an expat, you go there to renew your UAE residency before expiry. The office handles tourist, work, family, and investor visas of various durations. Staff will collect your passport, old visa or entry permit, medical fitness certificate (if needed), Emirates ID, sponsor documents (employment offer or tenancy contract), and other paperwork to complete these processes.
Other Visa Services (Cancellation & Fines)
Jafiliya Immigration also provides visa cancellation and fine-payment services. For instance, when an employee or family member leaves the UAE, the sponsoring party must visit the relevant office to cancel the residence visa. If you have any overstay fines, you can inquire and pay them at the fine-payment counters. The office can also issue formal entry/exit records or clearance certificates. Many foreign residents use Al Jafiliya for these post-exit procedures. Note that some services (like Golden Visa approvals or complex family cases) may require booking an appointment via the Amer portal in advance. Having all your documents ready helps avoid delays.
Sponsorship & Family Services
Family sponsorship is a major function at Jafiliya. Sponsors submit applications for dependents (spouse, children, and parents) and complete steps such as medical fitness tests, Emirates ID enrollment, and visa stamping. The immigration officers process residency permits for sponsored family members or update your Dubai Unified Number (your residency file). The office also handles other services, such as changing sponsors, issuing Emirates IDs, and finalizing investor visa procedures. In short, whether you need a new visa, a renewal, a cancellation, or a residency update, Al Jafiliya Immigration has dedicated counters and staff for each service. Presenting the correct paperwork (passport, visa copies, tenancy contract, etc.) speeds up these processes.
Working Hours
Al Jafiliya Immigration operates on Dubai’s regular weekday schedule. Under normal circumstances, it is open Sunday through Thursday, approximately 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The office is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in line with the UAE weekend. (During major holidays or government-wide announcements, hours may vary.) During Ramadan, the office hours are typically shortened. For example, during Ramadan, it has run roughly from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday), with a shorter Friday session. It’s wise to arrive well before closing time, as counters may stop accepting new cases 15–30 minutes early on busy days. Early mornings on weekdays (especially midweek) tend to be quieter, while Monday mornings often see the longest queues.
Contact & Support
If you have any questions before your visit, GDRFA Dubai provides 24/7 support channels. Phone: Dial 800-5111 (toll-free within the UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (from abroad) to reach the Dubai immigration helpline. Operators can answer queries about visa status, documentation requirements, or appointments. Amer Chat: The GDRFA website (gdrfad.gov.ae) features an online chat service called “Amer Chat”. This live chat is available anytime and can guide you through procedures or issues without needing to call. (There is no dedicated WhatsApp number for Dubai Immigration; use the toll-free number or online chat instead.) When contacting support, have your Unified Number (Emirates ID number) or passport number ready so staff can quickly access your file.
Tips for Visitors
Plan and come prepared to make your visit smooth. First, documents: carry originals and copies of passports, Emirates IDs, visa applications, sponsor letters, medical fitness certificates, tenancy contracts, etc., all neatly organized in folders or envelopes. Double-check that nothing is missing. Second, timing: try to arrive at opening time to avoid crowds, or mid-afternoon on a weekday. Many people finish lunch early, so late afternoon can also be less busy. Third, online services: before you go, see if you can handle any tasks online (checking visa status, booking an Amer appointment, paying fines) via the GDRFA Amer portal or MOI website. This can save a trip. Fourth, dress code: wear modest, professional attire (long pants/skirts, covered shoulders) as a courtesy in a government office. Fifth, payment: bring a credit/debit card because many counters no longer accept cash for visa fees or fines. Lastly, attitude: be patient and polite. Staff members want to help you; if unsure, ask the security or info desk for directions to the right counter. These steps will help avoid delays and frustration during your visit.
Other Dubai Immigration Offices
Dubai’s main secondary immigration center is the Al Awir Immigration Office. This facility is located on the Dubai–Hatta Road (near Al Khawaneej) and is often used for visa stamping and clearance tasks. Unlike Jafiliya, Al Awir is open every day of the week (including weekends). Its working hours are roughly 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, making it convenient for walk-in stamping and exit stamping when Jafiliya is closed. The contact number is the same GDRFA helpline (800-5111). Many people go to Al Awir for quick visa finalizations (like printing residence visas or obtaining exit visas) because of its long hours.
Comparison of Main Offices
Broadly, Al Jafiliya and Al Awir offer similar services, but serve different needs. Jafiliya (GDRFA HQ) is centrally located in Bur Dubai and focuses on weekday services like visa processing, renewals, and sponsorship approvals. It typically follows a Sunday–Thursday schedule (with shorter Ramadan hours) and is best for complex or official visits. Al Awir operates every day (06:00–22:00) and is used for high-volume tasks (mainly visa stamping and final clearances). For example, if you arrive in the UAE and need your entry visa stamped, or if you are leaving and need an exit stamp late on a Friday, Al Awir is often the better choice. In practice, visit Jafiliya for major residency transactions and Al Awir for convenient after-hours stampings and cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jafiliya Immigration?
Jafiliya Immigration is the Dubai headquarters of the GDRFA, responsible for all visa, residency, and immigration services in Dubai.
How can I contact the UAE immigration?
You can call 800-5111 inside the UAE or +971 4 313 9999 from abroad, or use the Amer Chat on the GDRFA website.
What is the 3000 dirham rule?
It means a person must earn AED 3,000 with accommodation or AED 4,000 without accommodation to sponsor family members in the UAE.
What are the new immigration rules in Dubai?
Dubai has introduced new long-term, multi-entry, and specialized visas, expanded the Golden Visa, and standardized overstay fines. Always check official UAE sources for updates.
Conclusion
Navigating Dubai’s immigration process is much easier when you know where to go and what to do. The Al Jafiliya Immigration Office is your main stop for Dubai visa and residency matters and is located in Jafiliya behind the Bur Dubai Police Station. By preparing your documents, noting the office hours, and using the official helpline (800-5111) or Amer Chat, you can avoid many common hassles. Remember that some tasks (like visa status checks or fine payments) may be done online. Always rely on official information from GDRFA Dubai or the UAE government portals to stay compliant with the latest rules. With the right planning and information, your visit to the immigration office should go smoothly and without stress.
