UAE to start renewing expired residency visas, ID cards from Sunday, July 12

Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship resumed its services for customers today, starting with receiving renewal applications for expired residency visas and ID cards.

The authority called on its customers to initiate the renewal of expired ID cards and residency permits of UAE citizens, as well as those citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and expatriate residents who are present in the country.

From today, July 12, the authority has begun receiving renewal applications for residency visas and ID cards that expired between March and April, 2020.

For those that expired in May, their renewal applications will start being accepted on August 8.

The documents that expired between June 1 and July 11 will start being accepted as renewal applications from September 10. For those expiring on July 12 onwards, their renewal applications will not be restricted to a specific date.

The authority has requested everyone to take advantage of the smart services it provides (on its website, ica.gov.ae), and adhere to the renewal schedule to avoid incurring administrative fines.

What was the change announced?

The changes include cancelling an earlier decision to extend the validity of visas and entry permits for those in the UAE from March 1 until December 31.

Instead, a three-month grace period has been given for residents to renew their residency visas if they have been in the country.

Earlier, it had been announced by the authorities that holders of UAE residency or entry permits (visit/tourist visas) that expired after March 1 would be granted validity of visa until December 31 this year. However, on Friday, that provision was cancelled and residency visa renewals started today.

- With inputs from WAM