Here’s How UAE Residents Can Apply For An Entry Permit After Staying 6 Months Abroad!

If you are an expatriate living in the UAE, then you’re already aware of the rules and regulations. One such rule pertaining to expats is regarding the fact that if they live six months outside the country, their residency permit becomes invalid. So, in order to keep the residency permit valid, residents must not remain outside the country for over six months. But some who have stayed abroad due to medical treatment or personal reasons can apply for an entry permit, and here is what we are going to tell you about today!

What To Do If You Stay Abroad For Over 6 Months?

Those expats who have stayed abroad for personal reasons or due to medical treatments can apply for an entry permit. They can return after six months by applying for this permit for entry. However, the approval for this permit is subject to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security. It was in 2023 when the entry permits for expats who had stayed outside the UAE for more than six months were introduced by the ICP.

Yes, according to this permit, the ICP allows residents with a valid residence visa who were forced to remain abroad for treatment, study, or work, which extended beyond six months, to reactivate their residency. This way, they can re-enter the UAE.

What Are The Requirements For The Permit?

But in order to apply for this permit, there are certain requirements that they must comply with to apply for this permit. These requirements are as follows:

• The application should be submitted from outside the UAE.
• The residency permit should have at least 30 days’ validity remaining at the time of application
• The application can only be made if a person has stayed abroad for 180 days.
• For Residents who are sponsored by an establishment, the application must be submitted either by them or by the applicant.
• A fine of AED100 is applicable for every 30 days or less spent outside the UAE.
• There must be a justification for staying abroad for 180 days, which should be provided.
• Violation fees are refundable only if the application is rejected.
• Once the entry is approved, this must be done within 30 days, including the date of approval.
• The service is not applicable to residents of Dubai.

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This Rule Is Not Applicable For Some Residents

However, this rule does not apply to certain residents. These are as follows:

• In the case of a foreign wife of Emirati citizens.
• The resident is a holder of a Gold, Blue, and Green residency permit as long as their visa is still valid.
• Domestic helpers were accompanying a study scholarship.
• Domestic helpers who are accompanying Emiratis who are travelling abroad for medical treatment.
• The expatriate residents and their companions are sent abroad for treatment once the UAE-approved medical report is submitted.
• In case the expatriate students are studying abroad.
• In the case of an expatriate resident who is working in the public sector, has been sent abroad for training, working in an overseas office or specialist courses along with their families.

So, if you are someone who falls under any of these categories and has all the required documents, then make sure to apply for the entry permit via smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Although this website is applicable to residents of other emirates, Dubai residents must contact the GDRFA Dubai Call Centre. Finally, it’s mentioned that the e-services fee is AED28, the ICP fee is AED22, while this smart service fee is AED100.

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