How Can You Get a Visa Deposit Refund in UAE through GDRFA and ICP?

How to apply for a Visa Deposit Refund in UAE?

If you have paid any security deposit while applying for visa in UAE and would like to receive the deposit back while cancelling the visa or if it is been rejected you may do so so by following the exact process and meet all the requirements so as not to lose out on the money. The amount for the security deposit may vary according to the immigration authority’s policy, but most often it is around Dh2,000.

Depending on which Emirate issued the visa, you must either apply for the visa deposit refund through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) or through Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain. Visa applicants in Dubai can request a refund on the deposit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

It is important to always keep the deposit details safe with you if you wish to get your refund request processed successfully.

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How to get a visa deposit refund in Dubai through GDRFA?

If you have cancelled a visa in Dubai or your visa application was rejected, you need to apply for the security deposit refund through GDRFA Dubai:

Step 1: Visit https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspx by providing the below details (The details will be printed on the receipt of the visa application)

• The visa application number
• Transaction Number for the deposit
• Date of payment.

Step 2: Check the CAPTCHA box verifying your identity as a user

Step 3: Click on the ‘search’ button. Once you click ‘search’, GDRFA will check if your application and deposit are in the database.

If it is, your name and application information will pop up.

Step 4: Select the ‘refund’ option below.

Note on change in the bank details : If you want to update the bank account information in the refund application because you have a new bank account and IBAN (International Bank Account Number), it needs to be done before requesting for a refund. Send an email to [email protected]e, with the subject – ‘Bank Account Update’ and attach the first page of the bank statement clearly showing the account information and the visa application page. You should also separately state the previous bank account details and the new IBAN. Your new bank details will be updated in GDRFA within one to four working days.

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How to get a visa deposit refund in UAE through ICP?

If you applied for a visa through ICP, you can do it online through the ICP smart services website – smartservices.icp.gov.ae and click on this link: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/serviceCards/375?administrativeRegionId=1.

Step 1: Enter refund information the application request number, which you would have received in your email after applying for the visa and select the ‘refund method’ – through cheque or bank transfer.

Step 2: Enter Applicant Information

• Enter your Emirates ID number
• Full name
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Emirate Unified Number (UID).
• Select the nationality from the drop-down menu.

After entering the application information, click the ‘next’ button

Step 3: Upload the required documents:

• Copy of residence visa
• Passport copy
• The copy of the digital receipt confirming the payment.
• Copy of Emirates ID
• Bank certificate showing the account number and IBAN.

After uploading the documents, review the information and pay the application fees. According to the ICP website – icp.gov.ae, Dh25 will be deducted from the refund as a deposit refund fee.