Things have changed a lot since the start of the crisis, including different government processes. Just recently, Brigadier Khamis Al Kaabi, the official spokesperson for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), announced that tourist visa/visit visa-holders in the UAE with expired visas after March 1 are given 1 month to change their status or leave the country. The said rules apply starting from July 12.
This was according to his interview on Abu Dhabi TV in line with the country’s changes with regards to the validity of both entry visas and residency. If the rule will not be followed by visitors, they may face fines accordingly. This is one of the policies amended that was announced by the UAE cabinet.
Also Read: How to Check UAE Visa Status Online
Expired UAE Tourist Visa-Holders Should Update their Status or Exit the Country within 1 Month
On the other hand, UAE resident visa holders have three months to renew their visas. Brigadier Al Kaabi said “UAE residency permits are now being renewed again and people have three months to renew their residency as of July 12. Fines will be imposed by the end of the grading period.”
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has given specific schedules in order to help UAE residents to observe social distancing and avoid overcrowding when renewing their visas. This is applicable to all centers in the country.
Here are the schedules for your information:
- For those whose residency visas are expired from March 1 to April 30, the renewal requests will be accepted from July 12 onwards.
- For those whose residency visas are expired from May 1 to 31, the renewal requests will be accepted from August 11 onwards.
- For those whose residency visas are expired from June 1 to Jul 11, the renewal requests will be accepted from September 10 onwards.
- For those whose residency visas are expired from July 12, the renewal requests are allowed at any date.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Resumes its Services to Customers.#ICA #UAE pic.twitter.com/cSQ87qWSjH
— Identity and Citizenship- UAE (@ICAUAE) July 11, 2020
ICA encourages each and everyone in the country to take advantage of the smart services it offers. It also requests the residents and visitors to respond and comply with the said time-plan to attain the requirements for spatial distance during all the processes. This is also to avoid getting fined for not following the rules set out above.
