Dubai has launched a new integrated system that ties residence visa services to the payment of traffic fines, marking a significant step toward greater coordination between government departments and improved public safety.
Announced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, the system is currently in its pilot phase and will apply to residents seeking to renew, cancel, or transfer their residency permits. Under the new system, all outstanding traffic fines must be paid before these immigration procedures can proceed.
His Excellency Lt. General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, clarified to the media that the initiative is not intended to penalise residents, but instead aims to foster a culture of responsibility and respect for the law. The integration also serves to ensure better compliance with traffic regulations and promote overall road safety in the emirate.
Understanding the potential financial impact on residents, officials noted that instalment payment options are being considered to make the process more manageable for those with larger outstanding fines.