The UAE visa amnesty period, which was supposed to wrap up at the end of this October, has received an unexpected extension. Thanks to high demand, the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has decided to give violators an extra two months to get their affairs in order. Now, those who’ve been living on borrowed time have until New Year’s Eve, December 31, to get their UAE visa sorted out. Talk about a last-minute twist in the tale!
Why the Extension? A Last-Hoorah For Violators
The original two-month amnesty was extended from September to December due to a flood of appeals from those wishing to sort out their visa status. Service centres across the UAE saw a rush of activity in the final days leading up to the October 31 deadline. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, has made it crystal clear, this is the final chance for violators.
“The extension embodies the humanitarian and civilised values of the country,” Al Khaili said, as he looked at the piles of paperwork and sighs of relief from residents. This extension is not just a gift for the procrastinators but also a nod to the multicultural tapestry of the UAE, allowing folks to either rectify their status or prepare to leave without hefty fines.
What Does This Extension Mean For You?
If your UAE visa has expired, you won’t face immediate heavy fines during this grace period. Instead, you have the chance to correct your status by either departing the country or getting the required paperwork sorted out. The revised fines for overstaying—a mere Dhs50 per day (down from Dhs100 per day). Also, make the situation slightly more bearable.
For those looking to get their residence status back in line, you can apply via the authority’s website or smart channels. Most of the process can be done online, but some will still need to visit an immigration centre in person to finalize things, especially if their biometric records aren’t up to date.
If you’re itching to get back home, you’ll need to apply for a departure permit through the appropriate channels. This exit permit will give you a 14-day window to travel with no penalties, but be aware, that if it expires after December 31, you’ll be slapped with previous fines and reactivated travel bans.
The Countdown Begins…
Come January 1, the fines will return, and enforcement will ramp up with inspection campaigns targeting violators. It’s a no-nonsense move from the ICP to clamp down on any breaches of visa rules. So, if you’re hanging by a thread or have overstayed your welcome, now’s the time to get serious about those documents.
So, pull up your socks, get those documents together, and make the most of this grace period. The clock is ticking down to December 31, and after that, penalties will be no laughing matter.
As the curtains close on the amnesty, violators should be prepared. The UAE government is tightening the reins, but for now, there’s a sweet little window to avoid those hefty fines. Take advantage of it, and stay legal in the UAE!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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