Photocopies of original documents are no longer accepted when applying for visas and other residency-related services in Dubai. The General Directorate for Residence and Foreign Affairs has made original documents mandatory when dealing with the residency and foreign affairs department. The new rule has already been in place since October 14 and will be made compulsory at all Dubai centres and typing centres from November 15. The Directorate has also stressed that applicants should bring their Emirates ID when applying, along with details of their International Bank Account Number (IBAN).