Residents in Dubai will now be required to clear all outstanding traffic fines before renewing their residency visas, according to a recent announcement by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
During a press briefing, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, confirmed that visa renewals will not be processed if traffic fines are unpaid. He emphasized that the move is not meant to burden residents but to encourage respect for the law.
“If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments,” Al Marri explained.
The decision comes in response to a growing trend where residents accumulate traffic fines — sometimes reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dirhams — without settling them. Despite repeated awareness campaigns by the Ministry of Interior and traffic departments, many continue to delay payment.
The new policy aims to put an end to that by linking fine payment to the visa renewal process, ensuring that legal and financial obligations are met before residents can update their status.
This update affects all residents renewing their visas in Dubai, and the requirement is now part of the standard procedure.
Starting July 2025, a new Health Law also comes into effect in Dubai. It will require updated medical testing for both visa renewals and driving licence applications. Residents will need to meet certain medical criteria as part of the official process.
Together, these changes reflect the emirate’s ongoing efforts to promote compliance and public safety while ensuring a well-regulated system for residents.
