Many people are still confused on latest UAE Cabinet decision and amendments. Earlier, it had been announced that holders of UAE residency or entry permits (visit/tourist visas) that expired after March 1 would be granted validity of visa until 31 December 2020. However, on Friday (10/07/2020), this was cancelled and visa renewals are set to start on July 12, Sunday.
So the confusing question which comes in mind that is there any fine started from July 12? Or who will pay overstay fines, let’s discuss in details.
Extension Cancellation Rules:
As announced the validity extension is no more valid but if you check your visa status you will realize that system is still showing validity date till end of the year 2020, what’s the reason behind it?
Link: Check Your Visa Status Now
Link: Check Your Visa Status Now
Please note that ICA and GDRFA visa checking websites will be updated this week, According to Amer Dubai, the data will be updated on the ICA website soon and all those living in UAE on expired visas which were extended till 31 December 2020 will be back with 3 months grace period. so keep checking your visa validity.
Grace Period Rules:
People residing inside UAE with expired visas after March 1 including both residence visa holders and visit/tourist visa holders has been granted 3 months grace period starting July 11 till October 10.
People having expired visit visas before March 1 can now leave UAE without fines as a new deportation center near DXB terminal 2 is allowing visitors to exit without fines. Read full details of deportation center here.
1 month grace period granted to UAE citizens, GCC citizens and residents from the date of their arrival in the country (who spent less than six months outside the country) to renew their documents.
It also approved granting residents who are outside the country and whose residency expired after March 1, 2020, or who have exceeded a period of six months outside the country, a period to return to the country from the date of opening the airspace between the two countries according to a time frame determined by a decision issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, ICA.
Renewal Rules:
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) announced the dates for the renewal of expired residency visas and ID cards.
Expiry in March and April:
From Sunday (12/07/2020), the authority will begin receiving renewal applications for residency visas and ID cards that expired between March and April.
Expiry in May:
Residency visas and Emirates ID’s that expired in the month of May 2020 can start the renewal process of their documents from 11/08/2020.
Expiry in June:
Date of resuming the acceptance of renewal requests for people having visa or ID expired in the month of June is 10/09/2020.
Expiry in July (1 to 11 July):
Residency visas and Emirates ID’s that expired in the month of July (starting July 1 to July 11) can also renew their documents from 10/09/2020.
Expiry after 12 July:
For those having visas or ID card expiring July 12 or onward, their renewal applications are not restricted to a specific date.
Overstay Fine Rules (Visa Fines):
Many people (residing inside UAE) are worried for overstay fines and thinking that they are going to pay fines from July 11 or July 12 which is not correct. Please note that penalties or visa fines will only start after 10 October, 2020.
Yes there will no fine till 3 months grace period ends which is already started from July 11 and will end on October 10. All having expired visas after March 1 have now 3 months grace period for the renewal purpose as per above mentioned dates.
Link: Check Your Overstay Fine Now
So, don’t worry for your overstay fines, the authorities will only charge after October 10 but keep in mind that this is only for those who are inside UAE.
People who were outside UAE and just entered or willing to enter UAE in upcoming days will be given 1 month grace period only so they can renew their visa documents. If not they will be charged as per new overstay fine rules.
Cancelled Visa Rules:
Rules for cancelled visas are different from expired visas, if your visa is cancelled after March 1, 2020, your overstay fine will begin from 01/07/2020 whereas if your visa is cancelled after 01/07/2020, your overstay fine will begin after 1 month (as old rule).
Cancelled Visa Rules:
Rules for cancelled visas are different from expired visas, if your visa is cancelled after March 1, 2020, your overstay fine will begin from 01/07/2020 whereas if your visa is cancelled after 01/07/2020, your overstay fine will begin after 1 month (as old rule).