Al Jafiliya Immigration Dubai: Location, Timings, Services and Directions
Al Jafiliya Immigration is the common search name for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) headquarters in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai. The office is associated with Dubai visa, entry permit, residency and immigration-related services.
The location can be confusing because GDRFA refers to the nearby station as Jaffliya Metro, while the current Roads and Transport Authority map shows it as Max Metro Station. This guide explains the location, official timings, available services, required documents, transport options and online alternatives.
Quick Answer
| Detail | Information |
| Official authority | General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai |
| Area | Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai |
| Landmark | Behind or next to the Jaffliya Police Station area |
| Nearby metro | Max Metro Station on the Red Line |
| UAE contact number | 800 5111 |
| International number | +971 4 313 9999 |
| amer@gdrfad.gov.ae |
GDRFA’s official contact page places the headquarters opposite the Jaffliya Metro station area, near the Bur Dubai Police Station. The current RTA network map uses the name Max for the nearby metro station. Check the official GDRFA contact information and RTA metro map before travelling.
Al Jafiliya Immigration Location and Timings
The GDRFA headquarters is located in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai. When searching on a navigation app, use terms such as “GDRFA Dubai Headquarters,” “GDRFA Al Jafiliya” or “Max Metro Station.” Different platforms may use Al Jafiliya, Al Jaffliya or Aljaffilya.
Officially Listed Working Hours
According to the current GDRFA headquarters listing, the published working hours are:
| Day | Listed hours |
| Monday to Thursday | 7:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| Ramadan | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday is split into two periods |
| Saturday and Sunday | Not shown on the headquarters listing |
The official GDRFA headquarters page does not publish Saturday or Sunday hours on its current listing. For this reason, confirm weekend access, public-holiday schedules and Ramadan timings before visiting. Office hours may also differ from the hours of an Amer Service Centre.
How to Reach Al Jafiliya Immigration
By Dubai Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Max Metro Station. GDRFA’s contact page still refers to the nearby location as Jaffliya Metro Station, so searching both “Max Metro” and “Al Jafiliya Metro” can help you find the correct route.
After leaving the station, follow the signs or your navigation app towards the GDRFA Dubai headquarters and the nearby police station. Check the walking route before leaving the station because the most convenient exit can vary.
By Bus
Al Jafiliya Bus Station serves the surrounding area. Bus routes and stop locations can change, so use the RTA journey planner shortly before travelling. Allow extra time during busy periods and check the final walking route from the bus stop.
By Taxi or Private Car
Tell the driver that you are going to GDRFA Dubai headquarters in Al Jafiliya, near the Jaffliya Police Station and Max Metro Station. Using the official map pin is safer than relying only on the phrase “Dubai immigration,” which may direct you to an airport or another service centre.
What Services Are Available?
GDRFA Dubai’s official service catalogue includes several major categories:
- Entry permits and visa services
- Residence permit issuance and renewal
- Residence permit amendments and cancellations
- Family sponsorship and dependent residency services
- Entry and exit services
- Violator follow-up and immigration fines
- Establishment support services
- Legal and immigration-related services
The GDRFA service catalogue shows the available service categories and directs users to the correct application channel.
Not every transaction requires a visit to the headquarters. Many services can be started through the GDRFA smart services website, the GDRFA application or an Amer Service Centre. The correct option depends on the visa type, sponsor, application status and nature of the request.
Common Service Examples
| Requirement | Possible channel |
| Family residence renewal | GDRFA smart services, Amer or Customer Happiness Centre |
| Residence permit cancellation | GDRFA smart services or Amer |
| Visa status checking | GDRFA online services |
| Fine inquiry | GDRFA online fines inquiry service |
| Golden Visa verification | Appointment may be required |
| Complex immigration case | Contact GDRFA or visit the directed centre |
Golden Visa applicants should check the official appointment process before visiting because verification at a GDRFA office may require a scheduled appointment.
Documents to Take With You
Immigration requirements are service-specific, so there is no single document list that applies to every visitor. However, prepare the following where relevant:
- Original passport and clear copies
- Recent personal photograph with a white background
- Sponsor’s passport and residency information
- Applicant’s Emirates ID or application details, if requested
- Employer or company documents for work-related applications
- Medical fitness documents where required
- Application, file or reference number
- Payment method for official service fees
For example, GDRFA’s family residence renewal service lists a recent colour photograph, a passport copy and an approved medical examination for sponsored individuals over 18. Its residence cancellation service lists the sponsor’s passport, the sponsored person’s passport and, where applicable, a work permit cancellation extract from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Review the exact requirements on the relevant family residence renewal service page or residence cancellation service page before travelling.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees depend on the service, visa category, application channel and whether the applicant is inside the UAE.
As examples, the GDRFA service page currently lists:
- Family residence renewal: AED 200 residence permit renewal fee, with possible additional charges
- Residence permit cancellation: AED 100, plus listed Knowledge and Innovation Dirham charges
- Some applications may also include inside-country, delivery or other service fees
- The listed expected completion time for these example services is 48 hours
These figures should not be treated as a universal price list. Check the individual service card for the most accurate total before payment.
GDRFA also states a 60-day grace period after expiry or cancellation on the specific residence renewal and cancellation pages reviewed. Grace periods can differ by visa category, so confirm your own status through the official GDRFA or UAE Government channels.
How to Save Time During Your Visit
Follow these steps before going to Al Jafiliya Immigration:
- Confirm that your visa or residence file is issued by Dubai. Visas issued by other emirates may fall under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
- Search for the exact service on the GDRFA website.
- Read the service requirements, fees and available channels.
- Check whether the application can be completed online or through Amer.
- Prepare original documents, copies and digital backups.
- Confirm the office hours and whether an appointment is needed.
- Keep your receipt, application number and confirmation messages after submission.
- Contact GDRFA on 800 5111 if you are unsure which office or service channel applies.
For some services, the online channel is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This does not mean that every application will be approved immediately or that every service can be completed online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Searching Only for the Old Metro Name
Your map may show Max Metro Station instead of Al Jafiliya Metro Station. Search both names when planning the journey.
Visiting the Wrong Branch
The GDRFA headquarters, Amer Service Centres, Customer Happiness Centres and airport immigration counters are different locations. Confirm the correct branch for your specific service.
Assuming Every Visa Uses GDRFA
Dubai-issued visas are generally handled through GDRFA Dubai. Visas issued by other emirates may use ICP services.
Arriving Without Service-Specific Documents
A passport alone may not be enough for family sponsorship, cancellation, employment or residency applications. Check the official requirements first.
Relying on Unofficial Agents
Use official GDRFA websites, approved Amer channels and government service pages. Do not share OTPs, passwords or unnecessary personal information with unknown agents.
Before You Leave Home
Use this short checklist:
- Confirm the exact service name
- Check whether your file is Dubai-issued
- Verify current office hours
- Confirm any appointment requirement
- Carry passports, photographs and supporting documents
- Save your application or file number
- Check official fees
- Call 800 5111 if anything is unclear
This guide is for general information. The official GDRFA service page and instructions given for your individual case should take priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Jafiliya Immigration?
Al Jafiliya Immigration usually refers to the GDRFA Dubai headquarters in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai. It handles or supports several Dubai visa, entry permit and residency-related services.
Where is Al Jafiliya Immigration located?
The GDRFA headquarters is in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai, near the Jaffliya Police Station and opposite the nearby metro station area.
Which metro station is closest to Al Jafiliya Immigration?
The current RTA metro map shows Max Metro Station on the Red Line. GDRFA’s contact page refers to the location as opposite Jaffliya Metro Station.
What are the Al Jafiliya Immigration timings?
GDRFA’s headquarters listing shows Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Friday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Confirm weekend, Ramadan and public-holiday hours before visiting.
What services are available at GDRFA Dubai?
Services include entry permits, residence permits, renewals, cancellations, amendments, family sponsorship, entry and exit services, fines and violator follow-up.
Do I need an appointment?
Some services may require an appointment or prior verification. Golden Visa applicants should check the official GDRFA appointment instructions before visiting.
Can I complete Dubai immigration services online?
Some GDRFA services can be completed through the official smart services website or application. Others may require an Amer Service Centre or a Customer Happiness Centre.
What number can I call for Al Jafiliya Immigration?
Call 800 5111 from inside the UAE. From outside the UAE, use +971 4 313 9999. The official GDRFA email is amer@gdrfad.gov.ae.
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