By November this year, typing centres in Dubai for visa processing will be a thing of the past as they will be replaced by Amer, a one-stop shop that allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactions under one roof.

“When we say ‘typing’ it’s like we’re talking about something 30 years back, when people used to type on paper. We now have a smart system and people would like to spend money to experience a VIP-like service, such as Amer centre, which is focused on client happiness,” Major Salem Mohammad Ali, director of Client Happiness Centre at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), said.

Ali said around 600 typing centres in Dubai will be replaced by about 50 Amer centres spread across the emirate by November. The first Amer centre was recently opened in the Muhaisnah area.

“Owners of typing centres were given notice more than a year ago that Amer centres will replace their businesses,” Ali explained. “In March 2016, we called them and told them that we will launch Amer in November 2016. They were also informed that they have more than one year to comply with the regulations on space and facility requirements or be closed down by November 2017.”

Ali underlined that there is no increase in transaction fees or additional documents required with the introduction of Amer.

“What we want is a facility that focuses on client happiness – where clients have a clean place to seat, a rest area, cafeteria and a parking facility. At the minimum, an Amer centre should be able to handle at least 5,000-6,000 transactions daily. With this expected volume, each centre requires big space,” he noted.

Amer centres are also expected to reduce processing time and efforts by the applicants as they are no longer required to visit GDRFA offices to apply or cancel their visas. “If all necessary documents are provided, a transaction can be finished at the earliest in less than half day or maximum of 48 hours if a courier is required,” Ali said.