Grace period extended for UAE visa violators to exit country

The grace period for those whose UAE visas expired before March 1 has been extended by another three months.

According to national news agency WAM, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has announced the move.

The scheme, which was due to end on August 18 will now run until November 17.

Visa violators will also get their overstay fines waived off if they leave the country within the deadline. 

Those wishing to leave from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah airports must arrive six hours before the flight.

Meanwhile, those planning to depart from Dubai Airport will have to visit the deportation centre at the Civil Aviation Security Centre near Terminal 2, 48 hours before the flight.

Officials have clarified that violators will not face any travel ban and they are free to return to the UAE in future.

A toll-free number (800 453) has been set up to handle questions related to the scheme.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has announced the extension of the grace period granted to residency violators for another three months, along with fine exemptions>>

— Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 17, 2020

The Director General revealed that the ICA has taken many exceptional measures to streamline the process of leaving the UAE.The violator will have to complete his procedures in only 3 steps, including obtaining the passport,buying the ticket, &arriving before the date of the trip

— Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 17, 2020