Visa applicants in Sharjah can now track the status of their applications by the touch of a button.
The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department (SNRD) has opened a new section with a touch-screen terminal which enables customers to check their applications without the need to visit the counter.
A barcode scanner has been installed which allows the applicants to scan their personal reference number, provided to them after applying to the SNRD.
Col Salim Saif Al Swaidi, Director General of SNRD, told Gulf News that the new Comprehensive Service Centre was separate from the visa section.
He said the centre would offer a variety of services such as typing out forms, photocopying, consultancy, photography and counselling on issues related to naturalisation and residency.
"The new scanning machine will enable visitors to inquire about their transactions without the need to speak to an official. There is a plan to spread such scanners to shopping malls as well."
The barcode machine will tell customers the date of their visa issue, whether it has been approved or not, and the expected date of delivery.
"This machine is the first of its kind in the naturalisation and residency departments in UAE." The centre will help reduce long queues to the enquiry desk and there will be a new ticketing waiting system to streamline services.
Meanwhile, the department's investigation section will open a new branch at the Sharjah Rehabilitation and Punitive Centre.
"This section will offer services to the illegals and overstayers who are in custody. In the past, all illegal immigrants were transferred to our department to finalise their deportation order. But there will be no need for that when the investigation branch opens," said Al Swaidi.
The visa section will also get soon special counters to process visas for housemaids and investors.
Al Swaidi said the visa section was now issuing between 1,000-1,200 documents a day, compared with 600 a day in the past.
"We have our counters at Sharjah International Airport with officials working round the clock. Their main job is to renew visit visas, but applicants must bring with them e-dirhams, not available in the airport."
Gulf News
