Visa waiver period extended: The federal Identity Citizenship, Customs and Port Security Authority (ICP) has announced the extension of the UAE visa amnesty period by two months.
Visa waiver period extended: Despite warning violators that there would be no extension to the grace period, the ICP has now changed its mind and extended the amnesty period until the end of 2024. Tuesday 31 December will now be the last day violators can correct their UAE visa status. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, said the extended deadline coincides with the upcoming 53rd UAE National Day celebrations and that the grace period symbolises the country’s humanitarian and civilised values. The initial amnesty period, which began on Sunday 1 September, proved to be extremely popular.
Why the UAE visa amnesty has been extended
Although the timing coincides with the national festive period, the main purpose of the extension is to respond to appeals from violators who wish to correct their status. With the additional two months, violators of UAE visa rules have more time to file the necessary paperwork, rectify their situation by leaving the country, finding employment or amending their residency status. Service centres across the country are believed to have seen a significant increase in demand, especially in the final days of the original October 31 deadline. Al Khaili stressed that this extension will be the last chance for violators to rectify their situation.
What is the UAE visa amnesty?
If your UAE visa has expired, you will not have to pay a hefty fine immediately and you will be able to leave the country without any further punishment during the amnesty period. You will also be able to correct your UAE visa status without any penalty within this time frame. If you overstay your resident, tourist or UAE visa expiry date, the penalty is 50 dirhams per day. Previously, the penalty was 100 dirhams per day.
You will be able to apply for the required residence permit or travel permit through the authority’s website and smart channels. Most of the process will be completed online, but if your biometric records are incomplete, you may have to visit the immigration center in person.
If you need to return home you will need a departure permit through the proper channels, which will give you 14 days to travel with the exit permit. If your exit permit expires during the UAE visa amnesty period, you will still be allowed to travel, but if it expires after December 31, it will be cancelled and previous fines will be re-imposed and all travel bands will be re-activated. Once the amnesty period ends, violators will be fined again.
Documents required for UAE Residence Visa
- Medical fitness certificate for age above 18 years
- Recent colour personal photo taken with white background
- Valid copy of your passport
- Valid copy of sponsor’s passport having a valid residence permit
- Certified birth certificate of dependent (for children)
- Entry permit
- Emirates ID application receipt
- Housing lease contract or proof of ownership of residence
- Medical insurance or health card
- Mother’s residence photo (if newborn)
