We hope the blog was useful in clarifying the questions regarding the latest UAE visa policy change. Whether you want to change your status or apply for an extension, contact us here. Emirates Express is the one-stop shop for all matters related to immigration.
The recent press release by the UAE government regarding the status of visas and work permits has caused a lot of confusion among people inside and outside of the Emirates. The sudden announcement and implementation of the policy have left a lot of unanswered questions. To clear up the confusion, we answer all the pertinent questions related to the UAE visa policy change.
Q.1: What is the policy all about? How much fine will I have to pay?
In April, the UAE cabinet waived off all fines on visas that expired after March, be they residence or tourist. However, on July 11, the cabinet revoked the earlier policy after overseeing the normalization of major sectors.
So, the latest policy includes all the residents, including locals whose visas expired after the 1st of March. After the expiration of the grace period, you will be fined.
Q.2: When will they start to fine me?
Since the earlier extension no longer applies, the government has given a grace period of 3 months, starting on July 11, to residence visa holders. This means you must renew your visa before October 11th. Just to be sure, you can always log in to the ICA website to see your visa and fine status. However, do so after a week since it takes some time for their portal to update and reflect their current status.
Q.3: If I’m on a tourist visa, that expired in July, what do I do?
A tourist visa, also called as an entry permit, is issued to tourists or job seekers. If your visa expired after March, you ought to change your status before August 12. However, the cabinet decided to extend this deadline till September 12, much to the delight of visitors The policy for visit visa explicitly states that fines will be imposed a month after policy implementation, i.e. two month’s grace period, which ends on September 12.
Q.4: If I’m a resident outside the UAE, what should I do?
If you are a resident and haven’t been out of the Emirates for more than 6 months, you have a month to renew your residency once you come back to UAE soil. If you have been out of the country for more than 6 months, you will be allowed back in the country once normal flights resume, with a grace period of 30 days.
Q.5: My wife, who is a resident, gave birth overseas; what should I do?
If you are the sponsor and your wife and child are in a foreign land, you can apply for an out-of-country permit online.
Q. 6: I lost my job due to COVID-19, and now the visa extension until December is cancelled. What should I do?
You have a month to find a new job. If not, you will have to leave the country. Another option you can avail of is to extend your tourist visa by a month or 3 months.