The United Arab Emirates is going slow on the residence visa violators by exempting them from paying fines. The Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs, Port Security (ICP) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that residence visa violators will be given a two-month grace period to get their fines waived. Expats, who wish to renew their visa, are given grace periods of up to six months after their residence visa is cancelled or expired.

The grace period, starting September 1 will exempt violators from any financial penalties by the Federal Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners.

Beginning September 1, 2024, foreign nationals in the UAE with an expired residence permit will have two months to either regularize their status or leave the country without facing penalties. The Authority will undertake all necessary measures to implement this initiative, including waiving fines and legal consequences, allowing violators to either adjust their status or leave the country with ease.

Overstaying foreign nationals can correct their immigration status within a two-month grace period by exiting the country without penalties or regularizing their status.

In a statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the decision aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularize their status by the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built.

UAE Residence Visa Rules

The validity of residence visas in the UAE may vary based on type and sponsor. A sponsored visa could be valid for 1, 2 or 3 years, whereas a self-sponsored one can be used for up to 5 or 10 years. Those who fail to leave the country or renew their visas before expiry are supposed to pay fines. In 2023, these penalties have been standardized. Residents, tourists and visit visa holders who overstay now pay Dh50 a day instead of Dh100.