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ICP or GDRFA? Find the authority for your UAE residence question

Identify the emirate and authority shown on the actual UAE immigration record before opening a status enquiry. A Dubai-issued case and a record from another emirate should not automatically be researched through an identical tracking page.

By IMMIGEUROPEOctober 17, 2026 2 min read
Sharjah skyline beside Khalid Lake in the United Arab Emirates

Photo: iMahesh · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identify the emirate and authority shown on the actual UAE immigration record before opening a status enquiry. A Dubai-issued case and a record from another emirate should not automatically be researched through an identical tracking page.

Identify the emirate and current case document

The UAE Government's tracking guidance directs enquiries for the listed emirates outside Dubai to ICP and identifies GDRFA for Dubai visa enquiries. The actual issuing authority and case reference are therefore useful starting points for finding the right service. Read UAE Government: Track visa application and validity.

Your working sheet

The following is an editorial organisation tool, not an official application checklist. Copy the rows that help and fill them with your own verified records.

CheckWhat to record
RecordCopy the issuing authority application reference and case purpose from the real document
ChannelFollow the government's ICP or GDRFA direction for that record
EnquiryState the exact service needed and retain the reply in one correspondence trail

A practical example

For example, a resident may live in one emirate while an employer handled the case through another official channel. Their tracking worksheet should use the actual issuing record, not infer the authority solely from where they are sleeping that week.

Before the next step

Use the official platform's current tracking links. Avoid entering private passport details into an advertising result that imitates a government service. If the record does not identify a clear channel, ask the sponsor or responsible authority for the case information before submitting duplicate enquiries.

Continue with the guide library or save the next task in the moving planner. Official requirements can change; the source above was checked on 17 October 2026.

Go straight to the source.

Use these official resources to check the details that apply to you.

Source links checked 2026-10-17. This guide offers general planning information, not an assessment of your eligibility.

A rule changed, or something needs correcting? Let us know. Read our editorial standards.

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