Visa holders can be fined for not exiting or adjusting status upon expiry or cancellation

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has confirmed the enforcement of administrative fines in accordance with regulations when a visa expires or is canceled, in cases where the holder does not exit the country or adjust their status.

The authority clarified that issued visas remain valid for 60 days from the date of issuance before entry into the UAE. Additionally, visa extensions can be requested during the stay within the country, subject to specified periods.

Through its digital platforms, the authority outlined five steps for applying for an entry permit or a new visa for a friend or relative, which can be received electronically via the ICP’s official website or smart app.

The five steps include:

1. Logging into the user account via UAE Pass.

2. Selecting the new visa service and specifying the type (friend or relative).

3. Choosing the travel type (single or multiple entries).

4. Selecting the stay duration (30, 60, or 90 days).

5. Filling in the required details (for first-time applicants) or reviewing and updating retrieved data (for registered users).

Once completed, the entry permit is delivered via email.

The ICP also outlined five steps for canceling a residence permit, which include:

1. Logging into the account via UAE Pass.

2. Selecting the individual whose residence permit is to be canceled.

3. Choosing the residence permit cancellation service.

4. Reviewing and updating retrieved information, if applicable, and paying the required fees.

5. Receiving a confirmation email confirming the cancellation of the residence permit.

Grace period and fine for overstaying after visa expiry

Last year, the ICP launched an initiative to regularize and rectify the status of residency and visit visa violators. The initiative, titled “Towards a Safer Community,” ran for four months from September 1 to December 31.

This humanitarian initiative aligned with the UAE’s values of tolerance, compassion, and social cohesion, providing exceptional support to violators by granting them an opportunity to correct their legal status and continue their work and life in the UAE within the framework of the law.

The initiative saw a high turnout at designated centers where violators could complete the rectification procedures efficiently, with dedicated teams providing assistance. The process was smooth and streamlined, enabling applicants to complete their status adjustments within minutes.

Important Guidelines for 

Residence visa renewal

Once a UAE residence visa expires, the sponsor (guarantor) must renew it within the specified period to avoid fines or legal consequences. After expiration, residents are granted a grace period ranging from one month to six months, depending on their visa category, to remain legally in the UAE.

The ICP has standardized the fines for overstaying after the expiry of a residence or visit visa, as well as the grace period for renewal. The penalty is Dh50 per day for overstaying beyond the grace period.

It is also important to note that when a residence visa expires, the Emirates ID automatically expires as well.

If a resident needs to renew their visa several months in advance (between one to six months) due to travel reasons, they must obtain special permission and approval from the ICP.

Residence visa cancellation

If you are residing in the UAE for work or personal reasons and decide to leave the country permanently, you must ensure that your residence visa, as well as those of your dependents, are properly canceled.

Only the sponsor (guarantor) or their authorized representative (e.g., a PRO in the case of companies) is permitted to process the cancellation of sponsored residence visas. A sponsored individual cannot request visa cancellation without the sponsor’s consent and signature.

For employment residence visas, companies must first apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to cancel the employee’s labor contract and work permit. Both the employer and employee must sign this request before the company submits a visa cancellation application to the ICP.

Before canceling a work permit, the employer must provide MOHRE with a signed document from the employee confirming that they have received all salaries, dues, and end-of-service benefits.

For family residence visas (spouse and children), the sponsor must cancel their dependents’ visas before canceling their own.

How to cancel a residence visa?

Residence visa cancellation applications can be processed through:

1. Authorized Typing Centers

The sponsor (guarantor/host) can visit an authorized typing center accredited by the ICP. The center will complete the cancellation form on behalf of the sponsor and submit it to the ICP.

2. Online Platforms

Sponsors or hosts can also apply for visa cancellation online via:

• The ICP’s official website and smart app (available on Google Play and App Store).

• The residence permit cancellation service – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.

  Residence permit cancellation for all visa types – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.