Can I Return to the UAE with an Expired Residency Visa? 3 Rules for the New ICP Grace Period Scheme

Many Emirati residents have wondered, when travel plans get complicated, whether they can return to the UAE if their UAE residency visa has expired while they are abroad. Well, no at this point, according to the immigration system that’s in place. Residency visas need to be renewed to use for flying on public transport or for them to pass immigration for re-entry.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has taken steps to launch some digital solutions to assist eligible residents to maintain or restore their residence. These changes have simplified the process for non-residents who stay abroad for long periods or face issues related to their stay.

Rule 1: Apply for an Entry Permit After Staying Abroad for More Than 180 Days

With the new ICP framework, if the residency is still valid, but the resident has surpassed the 180-day absence limit, they can still apply for the special entry permit. Submission of the application via the Application Platform in ICP Smart Services or the UAEICP mobile app should be submitted by the employer/family sponsor only.

You will have to submit a valid reason for a long absence. The approval of a permit usually leads to a 30-day period in which the resident has to go to the UAE in order to renew the residency status.

Rule 2: New 30-Day Grace Period

The UAE has also relaxed its residency grace period regulations. In past times there were different periods for different types of visas and occupations. The 30 day grace period after the expiration of visas is available to most people with residency now.

This grace period will give residents more time to renew, maintain or change their residency while avoiding an immediate overstay fine. Overstays cannot be fined for this period of 30 days.

When the grace period expires, however, the system starts to calculate fines automatically. This fine called the “over-stay” penalty is AED 50/day for those who overstay without re-issuing or transferring their legal residency status.

Rule 3: Obtain a New Entry Permit If the Residency Has Fully Expired

Need to travel outside the country and your current residency visa is expired? If you are abroad and your old residency visa has expired entirely and you are not eligible for the special six-month foothold visa, you will not be able to use your old visa.

Before you can have the expired Residency file in this situation, your sponsor needs to first delete the expired Residency file from the ICP system. After a cancellation, a new entry route needs to be set up. You may need to apply for a tourist visa or a visit visa or obtain other appropriate entry permits as to your situation.

Immigration status will be electronically checked by airline personnel prior to boarding a flight from the ICP database. Travelers are required to access the UAE legally by presenting an electronic entry visa that’s active & valid on the first day of travel.

Staying Compliant with UAE Immigration Regulations

Digital transformation in UAE’s residency has become more transparent and efficient. In most instances, revocation of residence will be denied, although the new measures from the ICP, namely the permit and grace period, offer alternate solutions to those residents who qualify.

When you know the rules before you get on the bus, you won’t be stuck in unnecessary delays, denied boarding or having to pay financial penalties. Residents are reminded to keep checking their visa with great attention and should consult their sponsors regularly in advance of expiry of the visa.

FAQs

What is the UAE’s new grace period after visa expiry?

Visa holders now get a uniform grace period of 60 days after their visas expire, but before they need to pay any overstay fines, so they can apply for a renewal or change their visa.

What is the consequence if I spend more than 180 days outside of UAE?

In case of maintaining residency, a request may be made by your sponsor to apply for a special entry permit (ICP) to return to the UAE legally.

What is the amount of the over stay fine after the grace period?

Currently the overstay fee is AED50 per day after the 30-days grace period is up.

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