Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Residents renewing or applying for visas in Dubai may now be prompted to pay outstanding traffic fines first, under a new pilot system launched by authorities to encourage road safety compliance. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) confirmed the rollout of the initiative, which links the issuance and renewal of residency visas to the payment of pending traffic fines. The system, currently in its pilot phase, does not outright prevent visa issuance or renewal but ensures that residents settle fines upfront or enter into installment plans before completing their visa procedures. “The goal is not to restrict people,” said Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA. “It’s about reminding residents to pay their fines. The system allows for flexibility depending on each case.” Authorities assured the public that the new system is user-friendly and case-specific, with residents being assisted during their transactions. Those with limited financial capacity will be allowed to pay in installments. The pilot program is not yet in effect at all GDRFA branches—for example, it does not apply at Dubai Airport’s GDRFA centre. This isn't the first time such enforcement was proposed. In 2014, the UAE Ministry of Interior announced plans to block visa renewals for those with unpaid fines, but it was not fully implemented at the time. The current approach, authorities say, aims to foster accountability, improve road safety, and streamline public service integration. ICA/Expat Media
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