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Al Jafiliya Immigration is the common name used for the GDRFA Dubai headquarters in Al Jafiliya. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai handles many Dubai immigration, entry permit, visa and residency services. The GDRFA head office is in Al Jafiliya, next to the Bur Dubai Police Station and opposite Al Jafiliya Metro Station. GDRFA also provides many services through its website, smart applications and other service centres, so you may not need to visit the main office for every transaction. 

This guide explains the Al Jafiliya Immigration location, timings, transport options, major services, documents, visa status checks and the difference between GDRFA, Amer and ICP.

Al Jafiliya Immigration Dubai – Quick Information

GDRFA officially lists its head office in Al Jafiliya next to Bur Dubai Police Station and opposite Al Jafiliya Metro Station. The official contact page also lists 8005111 as the toll-free number. 

What Is Al Jafiliya Immigration?

Al Jafiliya Immigration refers to the main GDRFA Dubai headquarters located in Al Jafiliya. GDRFA stands for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai. The authority deals with immigration and residency matters in Dubai. Its official online service list includes entry permits, tourist visas, visit visas, visa and entry-permit cancellation, tourist visa extensions and several residence permit services.

People often search for “Al Jafiliya Immigration” because they need help with a Dubai visa, residence permit, entry permit, cancellation, immigration file or another residency-related matter. However, not every immigration service requires a visit to the Al Jafiliya office. GDRFA provides digital services through its website and smart channels, while eligible transactions can also be handled through approved service centres.

Where Is Al Jafiliya Immigration Located?

The GDRFA headquarters is located in Al Jafiliya, Dubai, next to the Bur Dubai Police Station. GDRFA’s official contact page states that the headquarters is opposite Al Jafiliya Metro Station.  The official GDRFA branch page also identifies the location as Al Jafiliya, behind the Jafiliya Police Station in Bur Dubai.  This makes the office easy to identify if you are travelling by Metro or using nearby landmarks.

Nearby Areas and Landmarks

The Al Jafiliya Immigration area is close to several well-known parts of Dubai, including:

• Al Jafiliya
• Bur Dubai
• Zabeel
• Karama
• Dubai World Trade Centre area
• Al Jafiliya Metro Station
• Bur Dubai Police Station

When using a map application, check that the destination is the GDRFA Dubai headquarters before starting your journey. This is important because Dubai has several immigration-related service locations and Amer centres.

Al Jafiliya Immigration Timings

GDRFA’s official branch page currently lists the Al Jafiliya headquarters working hours as Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. It lists Friday hours as 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The same page also shows a separate Ramadan schedule.

Working hours can change during Ramadan, public holidays and special government schedules. For example, GDRFA announced different hours for its Al Jafiliya headquarters during Ramadan 2026.  For this reason, check the official GDRFA website or call Amer at 8005111 before making a special trip.

How to Reach Al Jafiliya Immigration by Metro

The easiest public transport option for many visitors is the Dubai Metro.

Nearest Metro Station

Al Jafiliya Metro Station is the nearest Metro station to the GDRFA headquarters. GDRFA itself describes its head office as being opposite the Jafiliya Metro station.  This makes Metro travel useful for people coming from areas connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line. After leaving the station, follow the signs and use the Bur Dubai Police Station and GDRFA headquarters as landmarks.

From Dubai Airport

Passengers coming from Dubai International Airport can use the Metro where their route and travel plans allow. The Dubai Metro Red Line connects the airport area with central parts of Dubai, including the Al Jafiliya area. Check the RTA journey planner before travelling because the best route can depend on your starting terminal, time of travel and service conditions.

How to Reach Al Jafiliya Immigration by Bus

RTA buses also serve the wider Al Jafiliya and Bur Dubai areas. If you prefer a bus, use the official RTA journey planner or S’hail app to find the current route from your location. Bus routes and stops can change, so it is better to check the live route before leaving rather than relying on an old blog or map listing.

How to Reach Al Jafiliya Immigration by Car

Visitors driving to the office can use the main roads leading into Al Jafiliya and Bur Dubai. The area is close to major Dubai roads, but traffic can become busy during peak hours. If you have an important visa or residency appointment, leave enough time for traffic, finding the correct building and parking. Parking rules and availability can change, so check the current parking information before your visit.

What Services Are Available at Al Jafiliya Immigration?

GDRFA Dubai provides a wide range of immigration and residency services. Its official service portal currently lists several entry permit, visa and residency transactions. 

Entry Permit Services

Entry permit services can include different types of applications depending on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s situation.

GDRFA lists services such as:

• Tourist entry visas
• Visit visas
• Entry visas for certain GCC residents and accompanying persons
• Job opportunity visit visas
• Entry permit and visa cancellation
• Other entry permit services

The exact requirements depend on the type of application.

Residence Visa Services

GDRFA also handles Dubai residence-related services. Its official service portal lists the issuance of residence permits for the private sector and cancellation of different types of residence permits. 

Residence-related transactions can involve:

• New residence permits
• Residence permit cancellation
• Residence renewal-related procedures
• Sponsor and dependent matters
• Other residency applications

Always check the requirements for your specific visa category before visiting.

Tourist and Visit Visa Services

GDRFA lists tourist and visit visa services among its official services. It also provides a service for extending a tourist visa for a single or multiple trips. The available option depends on the visa type, applicant and current UAE immigration rules.

Family Sponsorship Services

Dubai residents may need immigration services when sponsoring eligible family members.

Depending on the case, the process may involve:

• Sponsor documents
• Passport copies
• Emirates ID
• Proof of relationship
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Residence information

The exact documents can differ by application.

Do You Need to Visit Al Jafiliya Immigration?

Not always.This is one of the most crucial things to know prior to the trip to the office. GDRFA Dubai offers services online and smart for many transactions. It now has several visa and residence applications, services for visa status, fine enquiries, uniform numbers enquiries, and services on its official website. 

GDRFA also strongly urges the customers to avail the services availed through its digital platforms such as GDRFA DXB smart application and DubaiNow for eligible services.  In the event your case requires further documentation review, in person verification or appointment and assistance which cannot be provided by the digital service, you may need a case visit. Always check the correct service before travelling.

GDRFA Dubai vs Amer Centre

GDRFA and Amer are closely connected in Dubai immigration services, but they are not the same thing. GDRFA Dubai is the government authority responsible for Dubai residency and foreigners affairs.

Amer centres provide approved service support for eligible GDRFA transactions and help customers complete government applications. If you only need help submitting an eligible application, an Amer centre may be more convenient. If your case requires the immigration authority itself or you have a problem that needs GDRFA attention, the correct GDRFA channel may be more suitable.

GDRFA Dubai vs ICP UAE

Another common source of confusion is the difference between GDRFA Dubai and ICP UAE. GDRFA handles immigration and residency matters connected with Dubai. ICP, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, handles federal identity and immigration-related services.

For a Dubai immigration case, GDRFA is often the relevant authority. For federal services such as certain Emirates ID matters, the relevant service may fall under ICP. Checking the correct authority before visiting can save time and prevent a trip to the wrong office.

Documents to Take to Al Jafiliya Immigration

The documents you need depend on your service. There is no single document list that works for every immigration transaction.

Common documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Emirates ID
• Current visa information
• Entry permit
• Passport-size photograph where required
• Sponsor information
• Application or reference number
• Supporting documents for the requested service

For family-related applications, you may also need documents that prove the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. Check the official requirements for your exact transaction before visiting. Missing documents can delay an application or require another visit.

Dubai Residence Visa Renewal

Residents may need to renew their residence permit when it reaches its expiry date. The renewal process depends on the residence category and sponsor. Employment, family, investor and other residence categories can have different requirements.

Before starting a renewal, check:

1. Whether your residence permit is eligible for renewal.
2. Whether your sponsor must complete part of the process.
3. Whether a medical fitness test applies.
4. Whether Emirates ID renewal is also required.
5. Whether the transaction can be completed online.

Do not assume that every residence renewal requires a visit to Al Jafiliya Immigration.

Dubai Visa Cancellation

Visa cancellation is another common reason people search for Dubai immigration services. A residence visa cancellation can involve the sponsor or employer, depending on the visa type. After cancellation, the person may need to leave the UAE, change status or obtain another valid residence status within the applicable rules.

The correct procedure depends on the visa category and individual circumstances. If you are cancelling a residence visa before travelling, check the next immigration step before making travel plans.

How to Check Dubai Visa Status

GDRFA Dubai provides an official Visa Status service. The service can be used to check the validity of relevant entry permits and residence-related documents.  Checking your visa status before visiting an immigration office can help you understand whether your document is valid, expired or requires another action. You may also need information such as an application number, file details or other personal information depending on the service.

How to Check Dubai Immigration Fines

GDRFA also provides a Fines Inquiry service for checking fines linked to a personal file or sponsored individuals. If you believe you have an overstay issue, check the official information before visiting an office. This can help you understand the amount or status of a fine and the next step available to you. Do not rely on old social media posts or unofficial websites for current fine rules.

Al Jafiliya Immigration Contact Number

GDRFA Dubai officially lists the following contact details:

Amer toll-free number: 8005111
International number: +971 4 313 9999
Email: amer@gdrfad.gov.ae

The Amer call centre provides support for customer enquiries. GDRFA has also stated that the Amer call centre is available 24 hours a day in its official service announcements. You can contact the centre before visiting if you are not sure about the correct service, required documents or current working hours.

Best Time to Visit Al Jafiliya Immigration

No certain time can ensure a short waiting time. The smart way to handle this is to gear up and get ready before you depart. During national working hours, make sure the office is open to your service, and bring all documentation to the office.

If it’s an online transaction, it may be a good way to save yourself a trip if you do it online. Many transactions can be handled provided by GDRFA online and through smart applications.  Don’t show up near the time of the office closing and make time for additional traffic, parking and paperwork time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Going to the Wrong Immigration Centre

There are multiple GDRFA Service Centres and Approved Service Centres in Dubai. Always check with care before you go anywhere.

Using Old Timings

During certain government working days (Ramadan and public holidays), the working hours may change. See the most up-to-date official schedule.

Visiting Without Checking Your Service

Certain transactions are available online or through other approved options. Check first.

Carrying Incomplete Documents

Understand the requirements of the application(s) you are applying to and bring the required documentation.

Confusing GDRFA With ICP

GDRFA manages Dubai immigration and ICP provides federal services. The wrong authority can be a time waster.

Al Jafiliya Immigration for Different Visitors

For Tourists

Some matters pertaining to Dubai visas and entry permits may necessitatetourist servicese from GDRFA. The appropriate service will depend upon the type of visa and application.

For UAE Residents

Residents can access immigration services to establish themselves, sponsor others as immigrants, cancel their immigration status, and address their residency issues.

For Employees

Employment-related residence procedures can involve the employer or sponsor. Please verify required processing before your visit.

For Families

Relationships need to be proven in family sponsorship applications, as do sponsor documents. Requirements apply to the application.

For Sponsors

Sponsors are encouraged to review their responsibilities before the onset and cancellation of a dependent assistance relationship.

Before You Visit Al Jafiliya Immigration

Inquire about the services before travel. The Dubai immigration process takes place through several options, such as the online service or the smart service, and in case of need through an approved service centre or physically. 

Check the current hours if you must go to the headquarters, have your documents ready, and ensure you’re heading to the right GDRFA office. According to the official GDRFA contact page, Al Jafiliya headquarters is located adjacent to Bur Dubai Police Station and opposite Al Jafiliya Metro Station.

FAQs

Where is Al Jafiliya Immigration in Dubai?

Al Jafiliya Immigration is the GDRFA Dubai head office at Al Jafiliya. The dedicated GDRFA contact on the page states that it’s located near Bur Dubai police station and opposite Al Jafiliya metro station. 

What are the Al Jafiliya Immigration timings?

Currently, Monday to Thursday, the official GDRFA branch page states that their operating hours are from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM, and then on Friday, they operate from 7:30 AM until 12:00 P, M then 2:30 PM until 7:00 PM. Times may vary for Ramadan and Public Holidays. 

Which metro station is the nearest stop from Al Jafiliya Immigration?

Al Jafiliya Metro Station is the nearest Metro station. Off the face of it, that sounds like the wrong place, but in terms of recording addresses on the ‘world map’, GDRFA says their head office is across from the station. 

What are the Al Jafiliya Immigration services?

GDRFA Dubai offers various visas, residency and entry permits. The official service portal provides tourist visas, visit visas, cancellation of visas, entry permits, tourist visa extensions, and residence permits. 

What is the difference between Al Jafiliya Immigration and GDRFA Dubai?

The GDRFA Dubai headquarterss is known as Al Jafiliya Immigration. GDRFA Dubai translates to the Government of Dubai, which is a government body dealing with residency and foreigners’ affairs in Dubai.

How to check Dubai visa status online?

Yes. There is an official Visa Status service to enquire about related entry visas and residence documents offered by GDRFA Dubai. 

What is Al Jafiliya Immigration’s phone number?

On the official page of GDRFA, the Amer toll-free number is mentioned as 8005111. It also lists +971 4 313 9999 for international calls. 

Do I have to head out to Al Jafiliya Immigration for each and every visa service?

GDRFA provides online/ smart services in numerous transactions. Come see us depends on the application and whether this case is one that needs in-person support. 

Do I need to go to GDRFA or an Amer Centre?

This will depend on your transaction. Amer centres are not an immigration authority but can assist in transactions undertakenn by eligible government officials. If in any doubt, contact Amer at 8005111l before you travel.

What documents or paperwork should be presented in Al Jafiliya Immigration?

These are typically the passport, Emirates ID, visa/entry permit information and all documents needed for the specific application. Additional proof might be required for family and sponsorship services.