MoI Enables Customers to Get Visa Application Refunds Via App

Customers can now directly send a request online to retrieve financial guarantees on visa applications.

Ministry of Interior has enabled customers using UAE-MoI app to directly request for refunds for 30 day or 90 day single entry tourist visas that are applied for with an Emirati citizen or a resident. The idea is to provide convenience to customers and save their time. The new service is a step towards improving customer experience.

Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs, Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiaili said that the ministry wants to ensure customer satisfaction by offering solutions which support the shift towards smart services. He also said that the ministry will refund the amount paid for the visa application to the debit or credit card used by the customer.

Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiaili further added that financial guarantees are returned if the visitor leaves the country within the statutory period or if the request was rejected according to the policies applicable by the Ministry of Interior. If a visitor however, has exceeded the duration of the stay, the financial guarantees cannot be retrieved.

Lt. Colonel Matar Kharbash who heads the team supporting smart e-transition at the Naturalization, Residency and Ports Sector said that banks in different countries have their own timelines for refunding the amount to customers. He further added that in line with the instructions from the leadership, the ministry is making all efforts to satisfy customer needs.