Find out how long expats are allowed to stay in UAE after visa expiry or cancellation
UAE authority identifies those who can stay back in the country from 3 to 6 months
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (UAE ICP) has identified at least seven categories of people that are allowed to stay in the UAE for three to six months, after the expiry or cancellation of their residency visas.
The UAE ICP explained that there are five categories of people that are allowed to stay for six months after the expiry of their residency as per the rules and regulations effective from October 3, 2022.
- Golden residency holders and their family members,
- Green residency holders and their family members,
- The widow or divorcee of a foreigner residing in the country,
- Students studying after completing their studies and who are sponsored by the universities and colleges in the country,
- Residents in the country who have skilled professions of the first and second levels according to the classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Three months stay
Expats with two categories of visas are allowed to stay for 3 months after expiry or cancellation of their visas.
They included:
- Residents in the country who have skilled professions of the third level in the classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Property owners who have residence visa on property ownership.
Normally, expats are allowed to stay in the UAE from 30 to 60 days after cancellation or expiry of their residence visas.
Six month entry rule
UAE residents whose residence visa expired as a result of staying outside the country for more than six months for study, work or medial treatment, can apply for a permit to enter the UAE.
To apply for a permit to enter the UAE by a resident staying outside the UAE for over 6 months, the applicant must:
- Submit the application from outside the country.
- Apply request after 180 days of staying outside the country
- Provide a valid reason to justify being outside the country for more than 180 days.
- Pay a fine of Dh100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the country.
- The applicant must enter the country within 30 days starting from the approval date.