1,000th super priority UK visa processed in Dubai

Dubai - The super priority service costs £600 -- approximately Dh3,400 -- in addition to the visa fee, and is aimed at those who want the extra flexibility that a same day visa offers.

The 1,000th super priority UK visa was processed in Dubai on Wednesday. The speedy service, which has proved popular among Emirati and expatriate travellers, was launched in March this year.
The 1,000th applicant, who applied in Dubai, received a five-year multi-entry visit visa, just hours after submitting the documents.
The service, which has proved popular with people wishing to travel to the UK at the last minute, offers 24-hour visa processing, although most applicants receive their passport back the same day.
The super priority service costs £600 -- approximately Dh3,400 -- in addition to the visa fee, and is aimed at those who want the extra flexibility that a same day visa offers.
It is open to any GCC resident applying for a visit visa in the UAE, and can be used to apply for a long term, multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
The UAE is one of only a handful of countries where the UK provides this service.
Emiratis wishing to visit the UK for up to six months can still take advantage of the electronic visa waiver, which offers visa-free travel provided they register online at least 48 hours before departure.
A short-term visit visa for six months will cost £83 (Dh470), up from £80. But for Emiratis, they can apply for an EVW for free if travelling up to six months.
A longer-term visa that allows a stay of up to two years will cost £300.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai