UAE residents whose visas expired after March 1, 2020, have been given an automatic extension by the authorities until the end of this year. However, if any of those residents wish to travel abroad, they need to renew their residency permits before they travel.
according to the directives of the UAE Government, all residents with expired permits after March 1, will have their permits extended until December 31, 2020. However, they may face a problem if they leave the UAE and try to come back.The reason is that when someone goes outside the UAE and wants to return, authorities at the country from where he or she wants to board a flight back to the UAE may not allow the person concerned to board the plane when they see that the residency visa of the traveller has expired.
Holders of permits that expired after March 1, 2020, can travel outside as their permits are automatically renewed in the system. But return may be difficult.
Residents can renew their residency permits through online platforms or from Amer centres without the need for a medical check and by paying the same government fees.
holders of UAE visit or tourist visas that expire after March will enjoy the extension of their visas until the end of December 2020.
All entry permits that expire after March 1, 2020, will be valid until the end of the year.
Holders of residency visas that expire after March 1, 2020, and who are still outside the country, will have their visas considered as valid until December 31, 2020.
Amer call centre number 8005111.
People with entry or residency permits that expire before March 1, 2020, will not have to pay fines.
This grace period will last for another three months, until August 1, 2020.
Those who stand to benefit from this can book a ticket and go to the airport without paying fines.
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COVID-19, UAE Amnesty; Your Questions Answered
My visa expired before March 1, 2020
If your visa expired before March 1, 2020, and you were unable to leave the country due to the coronavirus restrictions, an amnesty has been announced from May 18 till August 18.
This applies to residence visas, tourist visas as well as visit visas.
The entry permit holders can leave the country without paying any fines, during this amnesty.
What is the amnesty?
The Council of Ministers issued a decree exempting all violators of the ‘Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners’ from all fines incurred by them, if the violation occurred before March 1, 2020, if they are leaving the country during a three-month period starting from May 18.
The rules include exemption from all fines incurred by the beneficiary, whether those related to their Emirates ID or the expired work permit.
Also, seeking the amnesty will not prevent you from returning the UAE at a later date, provided you meet the necessary conditions for it.
So, if you wish to avail the amnesty …
1. You should be having a visa which expired before March 1.
2. You can only exit the UAE during the three-month period.
3. You would be exempt from paying any fines related to visa overstay, Emirates ID or work permit expiry.
4. You can return to the UAE at a later date, by applying for a new visa.
But I wish to stay in the UAE
The waiver only applies if you are leaving the country. If you wish to stay within the country you will need to pay overstay fines and correct your visa status by applying for a new UAE visa.
My visa expired after March 1, 2020
Any entry permit, whether it is a tourist, visit, on-arrival, employment, mission, residency or GCC visa – if the visa holder is inside the country – has been extended till December 31, 2020.
Residence visa holders outside the country also benefit from this visa extension, and they can return to the UAE, even if they have been outside the UAE for more than 180 days.
My visa got cancelled
Whether your visa got cancelled before or after March 1, 2020, cancelled residence or e-visas are not included in the amnesty programme.
If you were unable to leave the country before the travel restrictions were implemented, you would be required to change your visa status and apply for a new residence, visit or tourist visa.
Failing to do so would lead to the implementation of visa overstay fines.
How to calculate overstay fines
• Dh225 for the first day
• Dh25 for each subsequent day, till the first 180 days
My visa got cancelled
Whether your visa got cancelled before or after March 1, 2020, cancelled residence or e-visas are not included in the amnesty programme.
If you were unable to leave the country before the travel restrictions were implemented, you would be required to change your visa status and apply for a new residence, visit or tourist visa.
Failing to do so would lead to the implementation of visa overstay fines.
How to calculate overstay fines
• Dh225 for the first day
• Dh25 for each subsequent day, till the first 180 days
• Dh50 for each subsequent day, till the first year
• Dh100 for each day after that
Where can I go to apply for visas?
For residence or employment visa, the applicant would need to go to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Dubai
In Dubai, you would need to visit an Amer Centre branch. During COVID-19 restrictions, the following branches are operating:
Al Manara branch
8am to 7pm
Al Twar branch
8am to 7pm
Airport Services, Terminal 3
This branch is located inside Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport and operates 24/7.
Other emirates
You would need to visit a GDRFA office at your emirate. GDRFA offices have opened across the UAE. You can also visit a Tasheel centre that offers visa and immigration services from GDRFA.
Visit visas
To apply for a visit or tourist visa, you can approach a travel/tourism agency, who will process the visa.
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