Residence visa violators will be given a two-month grace period to get their fines waived, the UAE authorities announced on Thursday.
The grace period, starting September 1, will exempt violators from any financial penalties in accordance with the Federal Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners.
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.
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 regularise their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built”.
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The procedures for this amnesty will be announced soon, the ICP said.
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 prior to expiry will have to pay fines.
In 2023, these penalties have been standardised. Residents, tourists and visit visa holders who overstay now pay Dh50 a day instead of Dh100.
Expats, who wish to renew their visa, are given grace periods of up to six months after their residence visa is cancelled or expired.