UAE grants two-month 'grace period' for visa overstayers
Residency visa violators have been given two months from Sept. 1 to rectify their status
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a two-month grace period for individuals who have violated their residence visa terms. Starting from September 1, 2024, these individuals will have the opportunity to regularize their status or depart the country without incurring fines.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security justified the decision as a demonstration of the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance. The authority aims to provide visa violators with a chance to rectify their situation by the law.
Overstay fines adjusted
To further alleviate the financial burden on residents, the UAE government standardized visa overstay fines last year. Currently, individuals who overstay their visas are subject to a daily fine of AED 50, a significant reduction from the previous AED 100.
Relief for visa violators
For those unable to rectify their visa status or pay the associated fines, the UAE government offers an additional avenue of relief. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security provides a service to request exemption or reduction of financial penalties imposed on violators of the Foreigners’ Entry and Residence Law.
Individuals seeking this service can visit a Customer Happiness Center and submit necessary documents, including a copy of the violator’s passport, a letter explaining the reasons for the violations and financial difficulties, and any additional documents requested by the Fines Committee.
The service is available at Customer Happiness Centers from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Fridays from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
The General Administration – Al Aweer Center also offers this service. Additionally, Amer Centers provide the service during their official working hours.
By offering these initiatives, the UAE demonstrates its commitment to supporting residents while maintaining a regulated immigration system.
Understanding UAE residence visas
Residence visas in the UAE vary depending on the type and sponsor. Sponsored visas typically have a validity of 1, 2, or 3 years, while self-sponsored visas can extend up to 5 or 10 years.
It’s important to note that the expiry date of a dependent’s residence visa cannot exceed that of the sponsor. Dependents must renew their visas before the sponsor’s visa expires.
Residents, who wish to renew their visa, have grace periods that can last as long as six months to stay in the country after their residence permit is cancelled or expired.