The UAE authorities announced on Thursday that residence visa violators will be granted a two-month grace period to have their fines waived. Starting September 1, this grace period will exempt violators from financial penalties in accordance with the Federal Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) stated that the initiative includes measures such as waiving fines and legal consequences, allowing violators to either adjust their status or leave the country easily. The decision aims to offer violators a new opportunity to regularize their status in line with the law, reflecting the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance.

Procedures and Residence Visa Rules

The ICP mentioned that the procedures for this amnesty will be announced soon. The validity of residence visas in the UAE varies based on the type of visa and sponsor. Sponsored visas can be valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, while self-sponsored visas can last up to 5 or 10 years.

Residents who fail to leave the country or renew their visas before expiry will face fines. In 2023, penalties for overstaying have been standardized, with residents, tourists, and visit visa holders now paying Dh50 per day instead of Dh100.

Expats looking to renew their visas are given grace periods of up to six months after their residence visa is cancelled or expired.