UK visa services resume in UAE, Saudi, among other GCC countries

The UK Visas and Immigration begins its phased resumption of services at visa application centres in GCC countries, namely Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Kuwait City), Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh), and the UAE (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) from June 28.

Only customers with a prior appointment may visit the centre to submit their applications and enroll biometrics.

Customers who could not attend an earlier appointment prior to the lockdown, will now be able to log into their account to book a new one. Meanwhile, customers who had completed their application on GOV.UK before lockdown, but didn’t previously book an appointment at the centre can now also book an appointment.

Services such as the Super Priority Visa, Priority Visa (for visit visas), Priority Visa for settlement and Walk-in service are currently not available.

As part of health precautions, customers may be required to undergo temperature checks, wear facemasks and maintain physical distancing.

Customers exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, including fever (higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius), cough or difficulty breathing need to reschedule their application submission and will be advised to seek medical attention at a health facility.

Customer can also either opt for courier return of documents or come to the centre to pick up their passports once a decision is made.