The UAE Cabinet on 10 July issued a number of amendments to the decisions issued recently in the identity and nationality sector. The decisions on visas that were implemented when the pandemic broke out, have now been changed. The cabinet has cancelled the extension of visas until the end of this year. In addition, a new grace period was announced for all residents, Emirates and GCC citizens. From expired visas and Emirates ID to fines for violations, here’s everything you need to know about UAE’s new visa decision. On that note, here’s Everything You Need To Know About Cancelled UAE Visas.
Earlier, the UAE Cabinet announced that residency and visit visas that expired after 1 March 2020, will be valid until the end of the year- 31 December, 2020. However, further amendments have been made and as per the latest rules, UAE visa holders whose visa expired after 1 March, must renew their visas before 10 October. The earlier announcement was made with several deadlines, depending on when the visa expired after 1 March 2020. As per the new guidelines, regardless of when the visa expired, all residents with expired visas after 1 March, have until 10 October for renewal.
Leaving The Country
In case the residence visa holder does not want to renew the visa and wants to leave the country, he/she must cancel the visa and leave the country before 10 October, 2020. The grace period within which they must exit the country will be mentioned in the cancellation paper. In case the visa is not cancelled or if the person does not exit the country within the specified time, overstay fines will be applicable. Check this Guide To Bring Your Family On A Residence Visa To UAE.
Overstay Fines For Residence Visa
- AED 125- First day
- AED 25 – For every subsequent day for up to 180 days
- AED 50- For every subsequent day until one year
- AED 100- For each day after this
On that note, here’s what has changed about getting a driving license in the UAE. Also, take a look at the 7 free online services now available in UAE.
Returning To The UAE
There has been a lot of confusion if residents traveling back to the UAE must secure approval from GDRFA or ICA. The UAE government has issued clarification on the same. Residents who are returning to Dubai or Sharjah from India, must get a valid pre-departure approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
On the other hand, those entering Abu Dhabi or any other airport in the country must have a valid approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Besides, Air India Express on its website clarified that only those who hold a valid resident permit can book tickets on these flights. Meanwhile, here’s A Step-By-Step Guide To Approvals, PCR Test, & Flights for residents returning to the UAE.
Here’s a table explaining the UAE visa tracking:
| TYPE OF VISA | STATUS | VISA HOLDER INSIDE/ OUTSIDE UAE | WHAT SHOUD I DO? |
| VISIT/TOURIST VISA | EXPIRED BEFORE 1 MARCH 2020 | INSIDE | EXIT THE COUNTRY BEFORE 10 AUGUST |
| VISIT/TOURIST VISA | EXPIRED AFTER 1 MARCH, 2020 | INSIDE | EXIT THE COUNTRY BEFORE 10 AUGUST OR APPLY FOR A NEW VISIT, RESIDENCE OR EMPLOYMENT VISA |
| VISIT/TOURIST VISA | ISSUED BEFORE 17 MARCH | OUTSIDE | ALL VISIT VISAS ISSUED BEFORE 17 MARCH WILL BE CANCELLED AUTOMATICALLY. ANNOUNCEMENT IS AWAITED ON REFUND |
| RESIDENCE VISA | EXPIRED BEFORE 1 MARCH, 2020 | INSIDE | EXIT COUNTRY BEFORE 10 AUGUST, 2020 |
| RESIDENCE VISA | EXPIRED AFTER 1 MARCH, 2020 | INSIDE | RENEW YOUR VISA BEFORE 10 OCTOBER 2020, OR CANCEL THE VISA & EXIT THE COUNTRY WITHIN THE MENTIONED GRACE PERIOD |