2-Month Grace Period to Settle Visa Violations Starting September 1

On Thursday 1 August, UAE officials declared that individuals violating their residence visa regulations will be given a two-month period to cancel their fines. Beginning September 1, a grace period will be implemented, allowing individuals who violate rules to avoid penalties under the Federal Law concerning the entry and residency of foreigners.

The Authority will ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to accomplish this plan. This means abolishing fines and legal consequences and giving those who infringe the regulations the opportunity to resolve their issues or leave the country conveniently. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the purpose of the decision is to provide an opportunity for individuals who have violated the law to rectify their circumstances through legal means. This exemplifies the UAE's principles of compassion and inclusivity.

The authorities stated that they would implement all necessary measures to ensure the success of this plan. This involves removing penalties and legal issues, allowing those who violate regulations to either resolve their circumstances or exit the country with ease. According to ICP, the specifics of the amnesty process will be provided in the near future.

This will be the fourth amnesty program by the UAE government since 2007.

The most recent occurrence was six years back. Starting on August 1, 2018, the event was intended to continue for just 90 days, concluding on October 31, 2018. The federal government decided to extend the program until December 31 for an extra two months, allowing more individuals who are not complying with residency rules to either amend their status or leave the country without penalties.

During the visa amnesty program that concluded on December 31, 2018, a substantial amount of fines totaling millions of dirhams was waived. In the first half of 2018, prior to the amnesty program, Dubai Police apprehended 10,310 individuals residing in the country without the necessary documentation. From these statistics, 30,387 individuals obtained permits to leave after their penalties were annulled under the amnesty program. In 2016, law enforcement apprehended 55,447 individuals for violating residency regulations.

The financial penalty has been standardised at Dh50 a day for tourists or residents who overstay their visas, following updates by the ICP in October 2022. Residency visa holders are given six months to leave the country or change their status by finding a job once their visa expires or is cancelled. The amnesty will support those who remain in the country beyond the existing six-month grace period