Dubai: When applying for a visit visa for a family member or a friend, you are required to pay a security deposit as part of the application cost. This deposit is refundable, but just how do you get it back?Here’s everything you need to know about the visit visa deposit refund, and the process to get your money back.How much is the security deposit?The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) states on its website that the standard refundable security deposit for a UAE visit visa is Dh1,000. Additional fees apply, such as the security deposit service fee of Dh20 and the security deposit collection and reimbursement fee of Dh40.When can you apply for a refund?Musa Dayani, Dubai-based public relations officer, explained that there are certain conditions involved when requesting a refund for the visit visa security deposit. The GDRFA is responsible for issuing the refund in Dubai.Dayani said: “To get the refund deposit back from the immigration, for visit visas, the person has to exit the country first. Only then can you apply for the refund amount.” In the case of people moving from visit visa to residence visa, they must complete the formalities of changing their visa status, before you can apply for a refund.The claim must be submitted within 30 days of the passenger’s departure from the UAE. Required documentsThe following documents are required when requesting a visit visa security deposit refund:Emirates ID of the sponsor.A copy of the passenger’s passport and visit visa.The original receipt of the security deposit payment.Proof the passenger has left the country or has had a change in visa status:For visa status change: A copy of the newly issued UAE residence visa or Emirates ID.For exiting the country: A screenshot or scan of the exit stamp on the passport of the passenger.Alternatively, you can provide a travel report from GDRFA showing the entry and exit dates for the passenger, along with their passport number. To request a travel report, follow these steps:Visit the GDRFA website at gdrfad.gov.ae and log in with your UAE PASS.Search for ‘Issuance of Statements (Entry and Exit Movement)’.Enter the sponsor’s Emirates ID, as well as the passenger’s passport number, along with the date range of their visit.Pay the fee.The report will be processed within 48 hours, and available to download as a PDF file.Cost: Dh141How to apply for the visit visa security deposit refundOnce the visitor has left the country or changed their visa status, you can apply for the refund online, or in-person through an Amer Centre in Dubai.Here is the process to apply online:Visit GDRFA’s website at gdrfad.gov.ae and log in with your UAE PASS.Once your dashboard appears, select ‘Existing Applications and Dependents’.Enter the visit visa application number or transaction number, along with the visa validity dates. Upload proof that the friend or family member has exited the country or changed their visa status.Locate the visit visa application and click on ‘Refund’.Review the refund details – the system will show you the final amount, refund method, and your registered mobile number. Click ‘Process Refund’.Once submitted, you will receive a tracking number with which you can monitor the refund status. The GDRFA returns the amount to your bank account within two working days, according to its website.
