In a step that will enhance strict application of road safety regulations, Dubai has adopted a pilot project that will require residents to clear all unpaid traffic violations before undertaking the process of the renewal or cancellation of visas, or any amendment in visa status.
The program which has been affirmed by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, connects the immigration services directly to the database of the Dubai Police that allows monitoring of the pending fines.
Table of Contents
Visa Services Now Linked to Traffic Liabilities
This situation is the latest development; people with accumulated fines on their motor vehicles or motorist license will have to first pay up their debts or settle them by getting their visas renewed and cancelled in that case. The departure of individuals who leave the country is also part of this, as they are required to show that they do not have any traffic liabilities, and this will be more especially when they have vehicles that are registered under their names.
Lt Gen Al Marri redefined that this was not an intended restriction measure on the residents of the country but it was aimed at creating responsibility within them and becoming responsible in honoring the country in regard to financial commitments. In case the traffic fine is a large sum, inhabitants may go to zero-interest instalments with the Dubai Police online systems and liaise with their banks. We are not forcing it on people, said Lt Gen Al Marri.
Digital System Brings Government Departments Together
This online system will merge the immigration services of GDRFA to the traffic records of Dubai Police in a very smooth and convenient process that will notify the applicants of any fines pending.
Before residents can do their transactions in residency, they will be advised to settle their dues or go on a payment plan.
The new regulation is already being used in some of the GDRFA service centres, and not in the GDRFA counters at the Dubai Airport.
A Shift Toward Accountable Driving Behaviour
Through this move, authorities hope that this initiative will lead to the adoption of a better driving culture and that residents will not be reluctant to settle their financial obligations. Lt Gen Al Marri concluded: “The laws in the country should be respected and everybody should follow the law.” This will be one of the ways of changing behaviour because the motorists will be more interested in being prudent in the manner that they drive.
Also Read: Dubai Cares and PayRow Join Hands to Fund Education through Everyday Transactions
Although it is yet to come out of pilot phase, the system is an indication of how Dubai continues to consolidate different government services to enhance efficiency and compliance. It also returns to a much similar plan first aired in 2014 by the Ministry of the Interior. With the ongoing modernisation of the administration in the emirate, locals are encouraged to verify the status of a traffic fine regularly and clear up any outstanding dues far in advance of starting the process to acquire a visa.