Dubai's Centre for Harbouring: A Humanitarian Approach to Residency Violations

Jul 29, 2026

70 min

Jul 29, 2026 11:31

Inside Dubai's Centre for Harbouring: How GDRFA is redefining humanitarian care for residency violators

## A New Approach to Residency Violations

Dubai's Centre for Harbouring, managed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), offers a unique approach to handling residency violators. Instead of traditional detention, the facility provides dormitories, healthcare, and recreational areas, emphasizing dignity and care.

## Comprehensive Support Services

Residents at the centre receive a range of services including healthcare, daily meals, and assistance with travel documents. The facility also features a children's play area and various medical services, ensuring comprehensive support for those preparing to return to their home countries.

## Humanitarian Focus

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA Dubai, highlighted the centre's commitment to treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background. He emphasized that many residents are victims of false promises and that the centre aims to help them rethink their future.

## Operational Scale

In the first half of 2026, the centre accommodated nearly 11,700 residents, conducted thousands of medical examinations, and facilitated the issuance of travel documents and tickets. This reflects the centre's significant role in supporting individuals through their residency procedures.

## Equal Treatment for All

Al Marri assured that all residents are treated equally, reinforcing the centre's mission to uphold human dignity while enforcing immigration laws. The facility is more than a place for completing legal procedures; it is a space where individuals receive care and support as they transition home.

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