UAE overstay visa fines: How to reduce or waive penalties

Dubai: Visitors and UAE residents who overstay their visas are subject to a fine of Dh50 per day. However, resident visa holders benefit from a grace period after their permit expires, ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on their visa category. If they exceed this period, the daily fines begin to apply.

In certain exceptional circumstances, immigration authorities may waive fines on humanitarian grounds. According to experts who spoke to Gulf News, individuals can apply for an exemption from overstay fines, but the application process is thorough, and approval is solely at the discretion of the authorities.

Who handles overstay fine waivers?

For individuals whose visit visa or residence visa was issued in Dubai, the responsible authority is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA). According to GDRFA, individuals can submit a request to have their financial penalty waived or reduced if they have violated the Foreigners' Entry and Residence Law.

According to Abdulhusen Munpurwala, Business Development Manager at PRO Deskk Document Clearing Services LLC, individuals can apply for this service at the following locations:

“The service is titled ‘Violation Committee Report’ and applies only if the fines exceed Dh4,000. The final decision varies on a case-by-case basis and is made at the discretion of the Violation Committee,” he said.

Munpurwala added that if you are applying through an Amer Centre the process can cost approximately Dh322.50.

“This service must be applied for before a status change and does not apply to individuals seeking a new tourist visa. It is strictly for those transitioning to a residence visa. The applicant may either be on a visit visa or a cancelled residence visa at the time of application,” he said.

For employees who have incurred overstay fines but now have a new job, their employer (sponsor) must apply for the waiver. According to experts:

“The employer must provide a job offer letter from the Minstry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MOHRE) and the new company sponsor’s Emirates ID. If the worker is returning to their home country, no job offer letter is required - only a copy of the return ticket,” Sirajudeen Ummer, Public Relations Manager at Galaxy Digital Business Services, said.

Additonal documents include the applicant's passport copy, current residency visa and Emirates ID.

If a family's overstay fines amount to Dh3,000 or more, they may apply for a fine waiver or reduction, according to Ummer.

During the application process, individuals will need to fill out a visa fine waiver or reduction form, which will be provided at the centre.

Experts strongly recommend that anyone with overstay fines consults a Public Relations Officer (PRO) or directly contacts the GDRFA helpline -  8005111 for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance tailored to their case.