November 20, 2008, DUBAI - Lieutenant-Colonel Youssef Al Marri, Assistant Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) for Entry Permits and Residency Sector, has assured that they are determined to adopt all the necessary measures to facilitate procedures for applicants with special needs, when it comes to issuing visas or entry permits.

During a meeting with the Dubai Police Human Rights delegation, which was presided over by Major Obaid Bin Hodaiba, Head of Human Services, and attended by Ms. Waheeba Al Moulla, Researcher and Head of Special Needs Department, and Ms Mariam Ibrahim, Researcher and Head of Human Services Department, Al Marri highlighted the benefits of the new diversified visa system implemented on July 29 this year, which set a clear and fast servicing structure to help those who wish to enter the country, especially applicants of medical treatment visas. A special committee at DNRD had been set up to assess almost everyday the humanitarian cases and offer suitable solutions on a priority basis for the special cases.

Major Mohammad Hammadi, Head of Entry Permits Department, said, "DNRD functions with total transparency in line with the Government's rules and regulations on the matter and will make best use of the laws to deal with humanitarian cases, such as the death of the head of family or sponsor, issuing visas to those who have their family members already living in the UAE, as well as exceptional cases such as wars and disasters." Lieutenant Omar Al Mazina, Head of Employment Permits for Private Sector, said the DNRD would dedicate special counters to serve the elderly and applicants with special needs in the near future and special services will be offered to female applicants as well.

The attendees also discussed matters relating to the residency of the children of late Dubai Police employees and facilitation of procedures for applicants with special needs who are above 18 years old. They also covered the potential exemption from penalty for those exceeding the number of days of visa validity when they visit the country for medical treatment.