UAE announce 2 month grace period for visa violators starting September

The UAE has announced a two-month grace period for residence visa violators on August 1.

The grace period, starting September 1, 2024, will allow violators to regularise their status or leave the country without incurring fines.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said in a statement earlier today, that it “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.”

The fine on visa overstay was standardised last year. Residents, tourists and visit visa holders who overstay now pay Dh50 a day instead of Dh100.

Renewing residence visas
Residence visas in UAE can vary on the basis of type and sponsor. A sponsored visa can last for 1, 2 or 3 years, whereas a self-sponsored visa can be valid for up to 5 or 10 years.

In case of a sponsored visa, the expiry date of the dependent’s residence visa will not exceed that of the sponsor and must be renewed before it expires.

A renewed visa allows expats continue living legally in the UAE without incurring fines or facing legal consequences for the same.

Residents, who wish to renew their visa, have grace periods that can last as long as six months to stay in the country after their residence permit is cancelled or expired.