The grace period, starting September 1, will allow violators to regularise their status or leave the country without incurring fines.
In a statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the decision aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularise their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built”.
Residence visa violators will be given a two-month grace period to get their fines waived, the UAE authorities announced on Thursday.
The procedures for this amnesty will be announced soon, the ICP said.
Residence visa rules
The validity of residence visas in the UAE may vary based on type and sponsor. A sponsored visa could be valid for 1, 2 or 3 years, whereas a self-sponsored one can be used for up to 5 or 10 years.
Those who fail to leave the country or renew their visas prior to expiry will have to pay fines.
In 2023, these penalties have been standardised. Residents, tourists and visit visa holders who overstay now pay Dh50 a day instead of Dh100.
Expats, who wish to renew their visa, are given grace periods of up to six months after their residence visa is cancelled or expired.
How to apply for exemption from fine
A dedicated service allows violators to submit a request to exempt/reduce the financial fine imposed on violators of the Foreigners’ Entry and Residence Law.
Documents that need to be provided include a copy of the violator’s passport, a letter stating the reasons for the violations and the inability to pay them and any other documents requested by the Fines Committee.
The person in question needs to visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre (Amer), obtain an automated queue ticket, submit the application fulfilling all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee and pay the service fees (if any).
The service is available at General Administration – Al Aweer Centre from Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 7pm and Friday 7.30am to 12 noon and 2.30pm to 7pm. ()
At the Amer centres, the service is available during the approved official working hours.
