UAE announces 2-month grace period for expired residence visas, Amnesty starts tomorrow

The United Arab Emirates has announced that anyone violating the UAE residence system will be given a two-month grace period.

Starting from September 1, if you are found in violation of the residency system then you’ll be given two months to make amends. 

This means that if your UAE visa has expired then you will no longer immediately face heavy fines or will be able to leave the country without punishment. 

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security made the announcement of the change on Thursday August 1. It’s good news for those of you who may have forgotten to renew your UAE visa before the date of expiration as you’ll now be given extra time to regularise your visa. The validity of a residence visa varies depending on its type and the sponsor – usually your workplace or educational institution – and can be valid for either one, two, three, five or 10 years depending on your circumstances. 

Those with shorter-term UAE residence visas rely on a sponsor while those with one for longer than five years can self-sponsor. 

If you’re over the age of 18 and are applying for a UAE residence visa then you’ll need to complete a medical test, pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID. 

 

Consult with your sponsor if you’re unsure how long your residence visa is valid for. 

Typically, most people will have one of the shorter-term visas – especially if they’re new to the country. The required documents for a UAE residence visa 

A medical fitness certificate (if over the age of 18) 

A recent coloured personal photo with a white background 

A valid copy of your passport A valid copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit Attested birth certificate of the dependent (for children) 

Entry permit Emirates ID application receipt Housing lease contract or proof of owning a residence Medical insurance or health card Mother’s residence photo (if a newborn) 

Divorced or widowed women will need to provide proof of housing, a divorce or death certificate and proof of her ability to earn a living. 

You can apply online for a residence visa via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. 

There are, however, a number of different options available for those seeking long-term residence in the UAE with special conditions which need to be met. 

These options are both longer-term and self-sponsored. 

If you’re interested in longer-term UAE visas then you can see if you are eligible for a golden, blue or green residence visa in our guide to the visa process.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai said they are all set to accept applicants for the UAE visa amnesty programme that will start on Sunday, September 1, and will run for two months until October 30 this year. The GDRFA confirmed to Khaleej Times on Thursday that applicants can go to any of the 86 Amer centres across Dubai, in addition to the designated location at the GDRFA centre in Al Awir. Amer centres will handle the ’change status’ and all services for those wishing to stay in the country, as well as issue departure permits for those with biometric fingerprints (those who have Emirates ID). The GDRFA’s Al Awir Centre, meanwhile, will serve as the fingerprinting facility and will also issue departure permits for those wishing to leave the country. Any visa violator is allowed to leave the UAE after availing of the amnesty without any administrative restrictions preventing their return to the country. This means, there will be no ban stamp on the passport and they can re-enter the UAE on valid visa.