UAE Announces Grace Period for Residency Violators

The United Arab Emirates has recently declared an important initiative aimed at assisting those who may be in violation of the UAE residency system. Starting September 1, individuals found in violation will be granted a two-month grace period to rectify their status. This means that if your UAE visa has expired, you will no longer face immediate heavy fines or be penalized for leaving the country without resolving the issue.

This announcement, made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security on August 1, comes as a relief for many who may have inadvertently overlooked the renewal of their UAE visas. The extended grace period provides an opportunity for residents to regularize their visa status without the stress of incurring significant fines.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the UAE government elaborated on the motivation behind this change, stating: “The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularize their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built.”

Notably, last year, the penalties for visa overstays were standardized. Currently, if you remain in the UAE beyond your resident, tourist, or visit visa expiration date, the fine is set at Dhs50 per day, a decrease from the previous rate of Dhs100 per day.

The UAE Residence Visa Explained

The validity of a residence visa in the UAE varies based on several factors, including the type of visa and the sponsor, which is typically your employer or educational institution. Residence visas can be issued for periods of one, two, three, five, or even ten years, depending on individual circumstances. Those holding shorter-term residence visas often require a sponsor, whereas individuals with longer-term visas (exceeding five years) may have the option to self-sponsor.

If you are over the age of 18 and are applying for a UAE residence visa, you will need to undergo a medical examination, pass a security check, and apply for an Emirates ID. If you are unsure about the validity of your residence visa, it’s advisable to consult your sponsor for clarification, as most newcomers to the country typically hold shorter-term visas.

Required Documents for a UAE Residence Visa

• A medical fitness certificate (mandatory for applicants over 18 years)
• A recent colored personal photo with a white background
• A valid copy of your passport
• A valid copy of the sponsor’s passport along with their residence permit
• Attested birth certificate for dependents (children)
• Entry permit
• Emirates ID application receipt
• Housing lease contract or proof of residence ownership
• Medical insurance or health card
• Mother’s residence photo (required for newborns)

For divorced or widowed women, additional documentation is required, including proof of housing, a divorce or death certificate, and evidence of financial independence.

Applications for residence visas can conveniently be submitted online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Additionally, there are various options available for those seeking long-term residency in the UAE, each with specific conditions that must be met. These include the golden, blue, or green residence visa options, which provide more flexibility and longer-term solutions.

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