Authorities say the initiative provides temporary accommodation, healthcare and assistance with travel documents while maintaining immigration enforcement with dignity.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — WEB DESK: Dubai authorities have announced expanded humanitarian support measures for undocumented migrants, offering temporary accommodation, healthcare, legal assistance and help obtaining travel documents before they return to their home countries.
According to a report by Gulf News, the initiative is being implemented through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai at its Center for Harboring, which accommodates individuals who have violated residency or immigration regulations while their legal procedures are completed.
Humanitarian Approach to Immigration Enforcement
Speaking during a press conference, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the centre reflects the UAE’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while respecting human dignity.
He stressed that the facility is not a prison, but a temporary accommodation centre designed to care for individuals until their legal and travel arrangements are finalized.
“In the end, we are all human beings. We treat all nationalities equally, and everyone is equal,” Al Marri said.
He added that many undocumented migrants had been misled by false promises made before travelling to the UAE and should not automatically be viewed as criminals.
Services Available at the Center
Authorities said the Center for Harboring provides a wide range of services, including:
- Temporary accommodation
- Daily meals and catering
- Medical examinations and healthcare
- Personal care and hygiene services
- Social and psychological support
- Assistance obtaining travel documents through embassies and consulates
- Help with airline ticket bookings
- Safe storage of personal belongings
- Recreational and awareness programmes
- Children’s play areas and family facilities
Medical services are provided through Dubai’s Al Tadawi Medical Center, which includes dental services, physiotherapy, maternity consultations, X-ray facilities, a pharmacy and pediatric care.
2026 Figures
According to GDRFA Dubai, during the first six months of 2026 the Center for Harboring:
- Accommodated 11,696 undocumented migrants.
- Conducted initial medical screenings for all residents.
- Arranged 1,906 specialist medical consultations and treatments.
- Served 322,232 meals.
- Processed 4,568 travel documents through foreign consulates.
- Issued 11,696 airline tickets to facilitate voluntary return after legal procedures were completed.
Commitment to Better Services
Al Marri said GDRFA remains committed to continuously improving its services and welcomes suggestions that enhance the experience of those temporarily staying at the facility.
He emphasized that the centre operates within an institutional framework balancing immigration enforcement with humanitarian principles while contributing to public safety and quality of life in the UAE.
