The Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the decision to grant a grace period for individuals who have violated the country's residency rules.
The grace period will allow persons with overstayed visas to adjust their legal status or leave the country. For the period of two months starting from September 1, 2024, violators will be exempted from fines in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners.
The law sets administrative fines for overstay. In 2022, the ICP standardized these fines. Now they amount to AED 50 for each day of overstay. The punishment for not paying the fine is imprisonment for up to 3 months or a fine of up to AED 4,000. The court can also order deportation.
The ICP's initiative aims to improve conditions for residents and visitors of the country, as well as promote economic stability and social justice. The grace period will help individuals who have faced problems because of their failed job search, for example, those who have health issues or have been cheated by job agents. ...