Which government offices are closed across UAE

By DG Staff

DUBAI 27 March 2020: Government authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced a temporary suspension of services provided by various government departments, including immigration offices, and reduced operational hours.

These measures have further impacts on the processing of immigration applications in the country.

Here is a closer look on the current impact, by select government departments, according to a list compiled by immigration specialists, Fragomen:

GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY

IMPACT ON THE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

IMPACT ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS

General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (Immigration Office)

All immigration offices are closed until further notice.

Amer service centres work reduced hours.

The processing of online applications continues.

Suspension of all out-of-country visa applications.

Suspension of the endorsement of residence visa stickers.

Suspension of all in-person applications, including the amendment of personal details and obtaining and / or amending Unified Identity Numbers.

Government Service Offices at Various Free Zones in the UAE

Government service offices at major free zones in the UAE, including DAFZA, DDA, DIFC, DMCC and JAFZA are closed until further notice.

The processing of online applications continues.

Suspension of all in-person applications, including the endorsement of residence visa stickers.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

MOHRE branches work reduced hours.

Tasheel service centres work reduced hours.

Tawjeeh service centres work reduced hours.

The processing of online applications continues.

Suspension of all out-of-country applications.

Suspension of the labour awareness training.

Employee’s personal appearance is not required for the submission of an employment contract at Tawjeeh.

Health Authorities (for conducting medical examinations)

All medical centres work as per normal schedule.

In Abu Dhabi, foreign nationals processing their in-country residence permit application must wait 14 days from the date of arrival in the UAE (prior to the implementation of current entry restrictions) to complete their medical examination.

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
(for the processing of Emirates Identity Cards)

All FAIC centres for the processing of Emirates Identity Cards work as per normal schedule.

Emirates Identity Card applications are typed only after the applicant has completed a medical examination and is fit to work.

Applicants sponsored by employers in select jurisdictions must wait 14 days from the date of arrival in the UAE (prior to the implementation of current entry restrictions) to register their biometrics.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
(for the attestation of documents)

All MOFAIC offices, except its main branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are closed until further notice.

Attestation of documents can be arranged only at the main MOFAIC branch.

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