TLDR:
Visa amnesty ends in UAE
Fines, bans begin from tomorrow
Amnesty applies to all visa types
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — As the UAE’s visa amnesty period comes to an end on Thursday, October 31, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is urging all residency violators to take advantage of the final hours to regularise their status. The two-month grace period, which began on September 1, allowed violators to amend their residency status without facing penalties. With the end of the amnesty, fines will be reinstated, and violators could face harsh legal consequences, including potential bans on re-entry.
The ICP has confirmed that there will be no extension to this grace period, meaning intensified enforcement measures will commence immediately. Inspections will increase in residential and commercial areas to identify individuals who remain in violation of UAE residency laws. Authorities warn that from November 1, anyone who has not settled their status may face significant fines, as well as other legal repercussions, if they attempt to leave the country without proper documentation.
In an effort to assist those seeking to amend their residency status, the authority has streamlined application processes through electronic channels and certified typing centres. Individuals can apply for necessary permits, secure legal employment, or arrange travel plans. If biometric data is incomplete, applicants may still need to make in-person visits to immigration centres.
No extension beyond October 31
With the grace period concluding, the ICP has stressed the importance of meeting the deadline, as violators who fail to comply will be subjected to all fines accrued before the amnesty and potentially face further restrictions. The amnesty covered all visa types, from tourist visas to residency permits, and even extended compassionately to individuals without formal documentation, aligning with the UAE’s principles of tolerance and support.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularize their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built. pic.twitter.com/70egnBx3ll
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 1, 2024
The Federal Authority’s post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the amnesty as a humanitarian gesture, providing individuals with the opportunity to adjust their legal status without financial or legal burden. Yet, enforcement will become strict following the amnesty, reinstating the previous daily fine of Dhs50 for overstays. Those who do not settle their affairs by October 31 risk incurring these penalties and facing legal bans.
What you need to know about residency visas
UAE residence visas vary in length based on the type of sponsor. Individuals employed in the private sector or educational institutions often have one- or two-year visas. Those with long-term visas, such as golden visas, are self-sponsored and enjoy greater flexibility. Anyone over 18 applying for a residence visa must undergo a medical examination, pass a security check, and obtain an Emirates ID.
The documentation required for a residence visa is extensive. Applicants need a valid passport copy, sponsor information, Emirates ID receipt, a medical fitness certificate for those over 18, and proof of residency like a housing lease or ownership documents. Dependents must present additional documents like birth certificates, while divorced or widowed applicants must prove their living situation and ability to earn a living.
Longer-term visa options, including golden, blue, and green visas, remain accessible to those meeting specific criteria. The Federal Authority encourages people unsure of their visa status or eligibility to consult their sponsor or the authority’s website for guidance.
How to proceed
If your visa has expired and you wish to leave the country, you will need a departure permit, which provides a 14-day window to exit the UAE. If this permit expires after October 31, prior fines will be reinstated, and travel bans could be imposed. However, if you manage to depart before the amnesty ends, you can avoid these complications.
Residents who need to update their visas must visit the ICP’s official channels for applications. While most procedures are online, biometric updates may require physical visits. For those wanting to stay, securing a legal job is essential for a new residency permit, while those departing must adhere to the regulations to ensure a smooth exit from the UAE.