The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at residence visa violators, offering a two-month grace period for them to regularize their status without incurring fines.
This measure, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), is set to commence on September 1, 2024. It provides a reprieve for foreign nationals with expired residence permits, allowing them to either update their visa status or depart from the country without facing financial penalties typically associated with overstaying. This amnesty period aligns with the Federal Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners and demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to implementing a fair and flexible immigration system. The ICP has pledged to facilitate a smooth process for those seeking to rectify their visa status or exit the country, waiving fines and other legal consequences during this period.
Expatriates must be cognizant of the UAE’s residence visa regulations to avoid potential penalties. Visa validity in the UAE varies based on the type and sponsorship, with sponsored visas typically ranging from one to three years, and self-sponsored options extending up to five or ten years. Before this initiative, overstaying a visa resulted in financial penalties, with the UAE implementing standardized fines in 2023 that reduced the daily overstay fee for residents, tourists, and visit visa holders.
For those whose residence visas have been cancelled or expired, a grace period of up to six months is provided to initiate the renewal process. The ICP is expected to release further details regarding procedures and requirements for the amnesty period in the coming days and expatriates are advised to stay informed through official channels. This is not an unprecedented move for the UAE. In 2018, a similar amnesty program was launched under the slogan “Protect yourself by amending your status,” which granted violators full exemption from fines and allowed them to return to the country with a new visa.
The program was highly successful with a response rate exceeding 88% and benefiting tens of thousands of individuals and families. In a notable advancement, the ICP has announced the integration of smart systems to implement the decision to exempt residency system violators from fines. This technological approach aims to ensure an efficient and streamlined process for all parties involved. The announcement of this grace period has been met with relief by many expatriates in the UAE. For those grappling with expired visas and associated fines, this initiative provides a valuable opportunity to rectify their status without the burden of financial penalties.
