Key Points
- The government has extended a visa fine waiver from November until December 31, 2020
- Affected individuals must leave the UAE or change their status before the deadline
- The order applies to residency, tourist, and visit visa holders whose visas expired before March 1, 2020
Overview
A visa fine waiver, originally set to expire in November, will remain in place through the rest of the year. Individuals have through December 31, 2020 to leave the UAE without incurring penalties.
Background
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) implemented the visa fine waiver to account for travel impacts and restrictions due to COVID-19. The grace period, originally scheduled to expire on November 17, 2020, will remain in effect through 2020. Individuals will be exempt from all related fines associated with violating the entry and foreigners' residence law if they depart the UAE before the new deadline.
Who is Affected?
The measure applies to individuals who have been staying illegally in the UAE with visas that expired prior to March 1, 2020. The order applies to residency, tourist, and visit visa holders.
Looking Ahead
Individuals affected by the regulation should plan to leave the UAE before December 31, 2020. They may also change their status to avoid penalties.
Originally published 19 November 2020
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.