The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has reiterated the enforcement of administrative fines for individuals who fail to leave the UAE or update their visa status after its expiration or cancellation.
According to a Gulf News report citing the ICP, issued visas remain valid for 60 days from the date of issuance before entry into the country. Visa holders can apply for extensions while in the UAE, subject to specific timeframes. Additionally, the authority has simplified the process for applying for new visas for friends or relatives, which can be completed online through the ICP’s website or smart app.
To apply for a visa, users must log in via UAE Pass, select the appropriate visa type, specify travel preferences, choose the duration of stay (30, 60, or 90 days), and provide the necessary details. Approved entry permits are then sent via email. Similarly, residence permit cancellations follow a streamlined five-step process, requiring users to log in, select the cancellation service, review details, pay the applicable fees, and receive confirmation.
The ICP has also standardized penalties for overstaying, setting a daily fine of AED 50 beyond the grace period granted for visa renewal. Residents whose visas expire are given a grace period ranging from one to six months, depending on their visa category. Additionally, expired residence visas automatically invalidate Emirates IDs, requiring renewal alongside visa processing.
For those leaving the UAE permanently, sponsors must ensure proper cancellation of residence visas, including those of dependents. Employers must also secure clearance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) before canceling employment visas. Applications for visa cancellations can be processed online or through authorized typing centers.
Last year, the ICP launched a four-month initiative, Towards a Safer Community, aimed at helping visa violators regularize their status. The program, which ran from September to December, saw high participation, allowing individuals to rectify their legal standing in line with UAE regulations.
