Dubai launches mobile phone barcode visas

The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) on Sunday unveiled several new technological advances in customer services, including a system that allows people entering the emirate to use a barcode sent to their mobile phone.

The mobile visa service, 'M-Visa', allows people to receive all types of entry visa permits via email and text messages in a form of a barcode, which can then be scanned directly off a mobile phone upon arrival in the UAE, the DNRD said.

Major General Al Marri, director of DNRD, said in a statement "our latest automated services... will cut down on waiting times and offer our customers first class services with more options and features".

Other services the DNRD has launched include customer service online chatting through its website and video calling on mobile phones.

The DNRD also launched self-service kiosks that will be set in various locations that will allows customers to perform a variety of operations without the need to visit the DNRD, including applying for and enquiring about visa status and printing visas.

Nationals will also have the facility to renew their passports instantly through this system, it said.