uae tourist visa grace period 2022

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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The Abu Dhabi Tourist Visa Explained – Rule Changes in 2022

On this page, we detail everything you need to know about tourist visas for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Note that these visa rules apply regardless of which Emirate you visit.

We have updated this page following changes to the visa system in October 2022.

We have attempted to provide clear and accurate information; however, at the time of writing, some aspects of the new Visa system are not entirely clear during this transition period. This page will be amended as soon as more official information becomes available.

Who needs to apply for a Tourist Visa?

Anyone not a GCC national or eligible for a visa on arrival (see list below) must apply for a visa in advance to visit the UAE.

You can apply either through your airline or UAE-registered tour operator for the appropriate visa.

• Visa services from Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia

A single entry transit visa for less than 48 hours is free, whilst of 4-day short-stay, visa costs 50AED.

A 30-day, single-entry visa costs in the region of 350 AED, depending on the service that you use to obtain it. Alternatively, a 60-day single-entry visa costs in the region of 650 AED. Both 30 and 60-day single-entry visit visas can be extended for a further 30 days for a fee of 960 AED.

Note that people under the age of 18 cannot apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

Visa-Free Entry to the UAE

Citizens from  GCC Countries   do not need to apply for a visa on arrival to the UAE.

Countries eligible for Visa on Arrival

Upon landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport, simply make your way to immigration, where your visa will be issued.

These countries are currently eligible for a FREE visit visa on arrival to the UAE:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• People’s Republic of China
• Republic of El Salvador
• Republic of Mauritius
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Vatican City

A visit visa for most of these countries lasts for 60 days and can be renewed for another 30 days twice. If you overstay a visit visa, the fine is 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED per day after that – see more below on overstays.

There is a 10-day grace period (this means that you won’t be fined for overstaying your visa until Day 70). 

Note that the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone had previously been allowed to stay in the UAE for 90 days, although it is unclear whether this is still the case following the immigration reforms of October 2022.

Five-Year Multi-Visit Visa (New in 2022)

A five-year multi-visit visa is also available for the above countries, which allows the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row and up to 180 days per year.

In order to apply for this type of visa, you need to prove that you have USD 4,000 in your bank account (for at least six months prior to the visa application) and purchase UAE Health Insurance.

Citizens of India

There are specific rules applicable to Indian citizens,  which you can find here .

If you have any concerns, you should verify this information on the UAE Government website.

What happens if my tourist Visa has expired?

If your 60-day tourist visa to the UAE has expired, you have two options:

• Leave the country before your 10-day grace period expires (ie, by day 69)
• Apply to Immigration and pay a fee to have your visit visa extended. It is currently understood that you are able to extend your 60-day visa by 30 days twice, giving you a maximum of 120 days in the UAE ( previously, you could keep renewing indefinitely by leaving the country and returning).

What is a Visa Run?

A Visa run is a common expression used for when you leave the country in order to re-enter and start a fresh visit visa immediately.

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Most commonly, this is done on the UAE’s border with Oman as it is quite straightforward and inexpensive to cross by land, provided you have access to a car. We have a detailed guide on how the process works on our Dubai Travel Planner site . It is identical for Abu Dhabi, although there may be closer border crossing points to consider near Al Ain.

There is no need to do a visa run as visas can easily be renewed online, but it is still an option which helps combine costs with a trip to a neighbouring country.

Accidental overstays

It’s important to note if you leave the country during the first 60 days, your UAE Visa on Arrival will not renew upon re-entry. It’s a 60-day multi-entry Visa .  If you are travelling through Abu Dhabi, let’s say onward to Europe, then have a stopover in Abu Dhabi again, be very careful if that second stop sees you cross over from 60 days to 70 days.

Eg: You arrive in Abu Dhabi on 1 September, stay for a few days, and then fly on to Europe. You return to the UAE on 30 October.  You then spend two weeks in Abu Dhabi and fly out again on 12 November.

Even though you only stayed in the UAE for just over two weeks, your original 60-day visa was still valid on re-entry. You are considered to have overstayed your visit visa by 12 days as you did not leave the country, and it was not renewed during the 10-day grace period.

Road trip to Oman?

A good way to avoid this can be to include a trip to Oman with your Abu Dhabi trip!  Musandam is our favourite location for an overnight trip, although the closest crossing point from Abu Dhabi city is Al Ain; not only an amazing experience, but you can avoid any issues with overstaying your visa and receiving a fine by exiting the country between day 60 and day 69.

There are a few small costs involved, and depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for an e-visa in advance. Other than transportation, you have to pay an exit fee to the UAE, and a  tourist Visa entry fee to Oman, currently 5OR for a 10-day visit visa. 

Re-entering the UAE, there are no charges on the Omani or UAE side, just stamping of your passports.

If you are travelling in a hire car, you will need to check that your insurance covers Oman and obtain a ’no objection certificate (NOC)’.

Head back to our Abu Dhabi Essential Planning Page

NB If you are looking to work in the UAE and become a resident, different visa categories will apply.  You may still be instructed by a future employer to enter on a tourist visa; then you will be changed across to the appropriate visa category in due course.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publication in October 2022. We cannot be held liable for any omissions. Where possible, we have quoted the relevant source where you can verify the information. We are not travel agents and cannot arrange visas for you. This is a personal blog, our website terms of use can be found  here .

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Fast Track UAE Tourist Visa Extension Service

One regular question from most travelers in the UAE ask us, “How can I do my UAE Tourist Visa Extension?”. Well, you can extend your visa for specified number of days depending on the type of tourist visa you have. Contact us for reliable fast track extension services

Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown

November 14, 2023 | 13 min read

• 1. Rates for Extension options ➜
• 2. Extension Options For On Arrival Nationals ➜
• 3. Extension Options Pre-Arranged Visa Holders ➜
• 4. Extension Options for Cancelled Residents ➜
• 5. UAE visa extension new rules - 2024 ➜
• 6. UAE New work week 2024 ➜
• 7. Passport Validity ➜
• 8. Reforms and Updates related to UAE visa Extension 2024 ➜

20 days extension

Without exit

Only for 30 days on arrival nationals

30 days extension

Only Prepaid visa holders

30 days new tourist visa

Airport to Airport visa change return flight ticket

All nationals

60 days new tourist visa

For All nationals

30 days express visa

Travelers who exit Boarder & other country

60 days express visa

90 days in country visa

Without exit & with changes status

Extension Options For On Arrival Nationals

• 30 days on arrival nationals
• 90 days on arrival nationals

Countries valid for the 30 days on arrival free visa include Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong-China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau-China, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United States of America, Vatican City, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

Below are the visa extension options available for these nationals :

Pay around 990 AED to extend your 30 days free on-arrival visa. The UAE government grants you a 10 days grace period in case you miss on your expiry dates and offers you 20 days after you apply for extension. Cumulatively, you get to spend 60 days in the UAE from the day one to your departure date.

You may exit UAE briefly to the neighboring countries like Oman and apply for an express visa back to the country. You can either travel by road to the other country or opt for airport transfer which is faster.

To use this option, book with Arabiers an airport-to-airport visa change ticket and board a plane to the nearby country like Oman. Chill out at the Oman airport for about an hour and then board another plain back to the UAE. Arabiers will processes your express 30 days on-arrival visa.

Travelers who need to stay in the UAE for 90 more days without leaving the country should consider using this visa extension option. Here is how it works :

• To begin with, contact Arabiers before 5 days of your current tourist visa expiry.
• Next, send us a copy of your passport, current visa or your on-arrival entry stamp and a passport sized photo.
• We will apply for a 90 days visa which will be processed in 3 to 5 days.
• We will get the status of your visa hanged to the new visa and you may continue with your stay in the country for another 90 days.

Countries valid for the 90 days free multi entry on arrival visa include, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El-Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Uruguay.

• Brazil nationals are eligible for a 90 day on arrival visa that is valid for 365 days.
• South Korea Nationals are eligible for 90 days straight stay visa.

Here are the visa extension options for travelers with the 90 days on arrival visa to the UAE :

This is the most economic visa extension options for 90 days visa holders. Contact Arabiers and then settle on an exit date few days to your visa expiry. Exit the UAE to a nearing country like Oman by road. Arabiers will then apply for a UAE express visa valid for 30 or 60 days depending on your instructions. We will then send the e-visa via email and you can get back to the country.

Consider an airport to airport visa change from UAE to a neighboring country like Oman to extend your 90 days on-arrival visa. Contact Arabiers, who will organize your flight tickets to Oman. Exit the UAE to Oman and chill in the airport for an hour and then board a plane back to the UAE. Arabiers will apply for the express 30- or 60-days express e-visa on your visa and will be handed to you when you land back into the UAE.

If you need to stay in the UAE for 90 more days without leaving the country, consider using this visa extension option. Here is how it works :

• Next, send us a copy of your passport, current visa or your on-arrival entry stamp and a passport sized photo

Extension Options Pre-Arranged Visa Holders

Nationals that are not eligible for the on-arrival visa must obtain a prepaid visa before entering the country. Just like other passport holders, a Prepaid visa holder also can extend your stay in UAE. Here are the visa extension options available for you.

• If you obtained your UAE tourist visa from an airline or a tour operator like Arabiers, you an extend it twice. Every time you extend you will get 30 days. In this option you can get additional 60 days without exiting the country
• Anyone flying to nearest country or the famous Oman run method will help you to exit on your current prepaid and you are eligible to get another prepaid visa. At Arabiers those travel out we assist express visa in 4-8 hours to come back to UAE
• Most prepaid visa holders use this method to extend their UAE visas. Exit the UAE by flying to the nearest middle eastern airport, relax at the airport for about a few hours as we process your express UAE visa and then jet back into the country. Contact us to help you arrange for the airport-to-airport transfer and also for the express visa application. Here is how the Airport-to-airport visa change works

Extension Options for Cancelled Residents

If you are already in the UAE and your residence visa gets cancelled , the UAE Immigration grants you a free 30 days grace period to decide on the way forward in the country. If you decide to exit the country, take this time to settle your tenancy contracts, mobile bills, credit card, loans and home connections and then exit the UAE. If you are switching jobs or want to stay longer, make use of the grace period & if you want to stay longer obtain a tourist visa. You can use Oman visa run, airport to airport . transfer or fly to another country and come back to the UAE to get a new tourist visa to the UAE.

UAE visa extension new rules - 2024

The UAE government has come up with new visa extension regulations that ought to be adhered to by every traveler.

UAE residents are now allowed to sponsor family and friends to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days. This visa, known as the family sponsored tourist visa which is valid for 90 days and an be applied through the GDRFA website, a mobile application, or the Amer center. UAE immigration is yet to disclose the extension details for this tourist visa. Source: ICP

The Covid-19 pandemic had forced the UAE to allow the UAE in country visa extensions due to travel restrictions & most of the options are discontinued. Currently most of the travelers are advised to exit and come Source: Arabiers Visa processing team

The UAE introduced the 60 days visa , effective from October 3, 2022. Before that, travelers could only apply for the 30- and 90-days tourist visa. currently, you may apply for either a single entry or multiple entry 30- or 60-days visa. All nationalities are eligible to apply for this visa and it is also extendable. Source: ICP

If your resident permit is cancelled by your sponsor or employer in the UAE, you can obtain a new tourist visa with or without exiting the country. The in country option with change status from residents to tourist help the busy residents to stay without travelling Source: Gulf News

The Royal Police of Oman issued a statement on 25 October 2019 that all nationalities entering Oman must apply for a pre-entry visa to be allowed entry into the country. This regulation came to effect from 1st November 2019, so if you are opting for an Oman visa run to extend your UAE visa, you should plan in advance to acquire a Oman visa. Source: The National

If you are an Indian national with a USA visa, EU Residence Permit or a UK Residence Permit, you qualify for the pre applied on arrival UAE tourist visa but at a cost. You will be charged 53 USD for the type of visa & you need to apply prior to the arrival at GDRFA website. The visa is valid for 14 days and can be extended once for another 14 days. To extend this visa, you must pay an extension fee at immigration by yourself. If you overstay your visa validity, you will be charged 20 AED penalty for every day you stay and 200 AED to get the departure permit. Source: Gulf News

UAE New work week 2024

The UAE looks forward to become the region’s most effective and efficient corporate and economic development hub. This prompted them to reduce the number of working days from 5 to 4.5. As from 1 January 2022, all official departments operate Monday to Friday noon. This means that if you need to apply for a visa extension during normal working hours of immigration. Ensure that you apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires, consider the national holidays and long weekends while planning the extension.

Passport Validity

If you want to apply for an UAE tourist visa extension, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. If in case you are in a need travelling urgent and unable to get the new passport, you are unable to extend on any options. We will advice you to contact your embassy and get your passport renewed then you can easily exit the UAE and then come back with a new tourist visa.

Reforms and Updates related to UAE visa Extension 2024

• December 13, 2023 Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders can now enter the UAE visa free and obtain an on-arrival visa. This regulation applies for those traveling for tourism, business and other short-term visits into the UAE. The move to eliminate the need for visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens symbolizes the deepening diplomatic connections between the two countries that result in smooth travel for their citizens. ( Source: Arabiers processing team )
• September 27, 2023 The UAE announced its plans to implement the GCC visa which will operate just like the Schengen visa. This visa will allow travelers to enter any of the GCC countries, which includes, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain without any constraints. Currently the GCC countries residents can move across borders without limitations, but foreigners must apply for visa to be allowed entry. ( Source: Gulfnews )
• July 25, 2023 The 90 days leisure visa was re-introduced after it was scrapped off in 2022. travelers who wish to extend their stay in the UAE to explore more can apply for this visa. The visa is available for all nationalities and can be extended without exiting the country at an additional cost. ( Source: Arabiers processing team )
• May 31, 2023 The UAE Immigration eliminated the 10-day grace period for prepaid visit visa holders. You can now only stay for 30 or 60 days, according to your visa validity, after which you must exit the country. If you wish to extend your stay in the UAE, you must apply for visa extension, otherwise, just exit the country to avoid overstaying penalties. ( Source: Arabiers processing team )
• Febraury 06, 2023 ICP introduced a new service that allows prepaid visa holders to extend their 30- or 60-days visa by exiting the country and then coming back. ( Source: ICP UAE )
• January 23, 2023 You will be charged 100 AED per service offered by the UAE ICP. The charges are appliable to those applying for an Emirates ID, visit visa, resident visa among other services. ( Source: ICP UAE )
• September 27, 2022 If you want to layover or change flights in a UAE airport, you need to apply for either a 48 hour or 96-hour transit visa. Airport transit visas cannot be extended.
• August 20, 2022 Kids aged 15 years and below do not need to take the Covid-19 PCR test before entering the UAE.
• August 13, 2022 The UAE government has plans to increase the standard stay duration from 30 days to 60 days. This is a strategy to increase the amount of time tourists spend in the country. ( Source: The National )

The UAE has abolished the grace period and therefore he should exit the country asap or extend his tourist visa.

Contact Arabiers to discuss the available options for you.

Contact us to arrange for a visa extension.

Keep glued to get updates from the government if you can apply for a 5-year visa with a 60-day visit visa.

A visa change air ticket is a special ticket with a visa stamp that allows you to fly to a neighboring Middle Eastern country without an entry visa to that specific country. When you want to extend your visa through airport-to-airport transfer, we organize with the airline for this type of visa.

Whether to pay for visa extension fees, wholly depends on your nationality and the kind of visa you had.

Absolutely! If you do not prefer other visa extension methods listed above, we can help you obtain a new visa in 8 to 24 hours after exiting the UAE. However, this visa extension method is costly and more hectic since you have to book a return ticket to your country.

If you stay past your visa validity dates, you will be charged 50 AED per day for each day you overstay in the UAE.

You can pay visa fines at the immigration counter in the airport while exiting the country or reach out to us for assistance.

In case of visa extension denial while at the airport, book a flight to your home country immediately and exit the country. You will cater for your own flight ticket arrangements.

The Airport-to-airport visa change package includes a UAE visa processing charge, VAT, service charge and a return flight ticket.

US Nationals do not need a visa to travel to Dubai. They are eligible for a free 30 days on arrival visa which an be extended for another 30 days.

Indian nationals with a valid US Green Card are eligible for an UAE on-arrival visa valid for 14 days. The visa can be extended for more 14 days. If you wish to stay in the UAE for longer than 30 days, it is advisable to just apply for the prepaid visa.

The UAE immigration allows you to apply for visa extension even if you have overstayed your visa. however, you first have to pay the penalties accrued before exiting the country.

If you obtained your UAE visa through Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai or Air Arabia, you must contact the respective airline to extend your visa. Contact us to help you obtain a new visa.

If your visa status hasn’t changed from tourist to residence, and you tourist visa has already expired, you are liable to pay the daily overstaying fines. The best way to approach this issue is to apply for a visa extension as you await your resident visa to process. Alternatively, you can exit UAE and come back when your resident visa is ready.

While GCC citizens enter the UAE visa free, GCC residents who are nationals of countries not eligible for UAE on arrival visas must apply for prepaid visa to be allowed entry. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days.

No! USA citizens are eligible for the on-arrival visa to Oman.

UAE Cancelled Visas to Get 6 Months Grace Period

The UAE has announced plans to boost the economy and loosen restrictions on UAE visas . One major announcement is that residents who have lost their jobs will soon be able to stay in the country for up to 6 months (90-180 days). This allows cancelled-visa holders to legally stay in the UAE and gives them plenty of time to search for a new sponsor or get apply for other jobs.

The original grace period for UAE cancelled visas is 30 days. But now it has been extended up to 180 days. During this grace period, the person is allowed to stay in the country until he/she gets a new visa. Usually, expats use this time to process their residency permit – whether they apply for a new employment visa after changing to a new employer, or they Exit the country and come back with another type of visa (like UAE tourist visa ).

Now, authorities in the UAE have between 90 to 180 days from the time that their existing employment visa is stamped with a ‘cancelled’ label.

“We are relaxing the grace period one gets to leave the country after being made redundant. Instead of the previous 30 days, people will have 90 to 180 days to leave the country,” Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State and Foreign Trade, said in a statement.

Also Read:  OPINION: What the 6 Months Visa Means for Job Seekers in UAE

This is great news for residents as this will definitely provide better opportunities for expats to look for a new sponsor or find a new job. The 6 months is ample time for those with cancelled visas to not accept any job offer right away without considering different factors like salary, work expectations and scope of work.

A few years ago, there was a 6-month temporary visa for job-seekers that was implemented, but it was only applicable for certain period. A lot of people were happy with this set-up and wondered when it will take effect permanently.

So this new adjustment that was announced this September 2021 is such welcome news for everyone. After all, the majority of the expats in the UAE are here in order to work. At least, expats will not be obliged to take any opportunity right away with the risk of regretting their decision because of the remaining days on their grace period to get a new visa.

So we thank the UAE for announcing this major grace period reform. Please contact authorities once this grace period is implemented. Take note that this extension has only been announced recently so let us all stay tuned for updates in the coming months.

Be Careful For Grace period after a visa cancellation in UAE 2022

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Table of Contents

To encourage growth, the UAE has unveiled new laws and projects that will boost the economy. The government has been announcing changes to the current legislation that benefit ex-pats and residents. One of the most relevant ones is the modifications to the grace period after the visa cancellation in the UAE .

In this article, you are going to learn more about the grace period after visa cancellation in UAE. Furthermore, you will learn why the 6 months grace period in the UAE is so beneficial to residents and the new reforms to visa schemes . Let us observe:

• What is a grace period?
• What are the new changes related to the grace period after a visa cancellation in UAE?
• Why are these changes beneficial?
• What are the new UAE visa reforms?
• How do these new reforms bring advantages for visa holders?
• How can Connect Resources assist you during your grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE ?

1. What is a grace period?

Every expatriate that visits the UAE needs to have a visa to enter or stay legally in the country. As with any other country, the visa has validity for a specific period of time. Therefore, when the visa expires, the individual must leave the country.

In the case of an employment visa or a family visa, the sponsor has to cancel it before leaving the country. Thus, when the individual checks their UAE visa cancellation status, they must know that it has a period to abandon the country after the visa is cancelled.

This is known as the grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE. With the recent modifications to the UAE Labour Law 2022 , the person now has a 6 months grace period after a visa cancellation.

2. What are the new changes related to the grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE?

The grace period after a visa cancellation in UAE is a very important topic to expatriates and residents who want to change their status in the country.

Previously, the UAE visa grace period for 2021 was of 28-30 days. In this case, it was very difficult to apply for a job or to change their visa status. But, with the new grace period after a visa cancellation in the UAE in 2022 of 6 months, the foreign individual has more flexibility to decide what to do.

The new rules after a visa cancellation in the UAE allow the person to stay in the UAE for 6 months, or 180 days, to determine if they want to apply for a new job and obtain a new UAE visa , or to leave the nation.

It is important to note that they have 30 days to carry out their visa cancellation after expiry.

1.1 What were the previous regulations regarding the grace period in the UAE?

Before the recent changes, ex-pats had a period of 30 days to leave the country after their visa cancellation in the UAE. In some cases, they could get up to 60 days. But, with the recent modifications, everyone gets a 180 days grace period after visa cancellation.

These changes were introduced to the new Labour Law, and are great news for those who cancel their visas but wish to stay for longer in the UAE.

1.2 How to check the grace period after visa cancellation?

“How to check visa cancellation status in the UAE ?” Since every employee has a 6 months grace period after the visa cancellation in the UAE , it is easy to check it once the visa gets cancelled.

They must enter the ICA website to check their visa status. On this site, the person can check all the information about their visa, including if it is cancelled or not.

Furthermore, they can check the date when the visa was cancelled, and after that, all they need to do is calculate 180 days after that date, to determine how long they can stay legally in the UAE.

1.3 How many days does a visa cancellation take in the UAE?

To obtain enjoy the grace period after visa cancellation , it is necessary to request the sponsor to cancel the visa.

It is worth noting that the process to cancel the visa will take a short time. But, “how many days for the cancellation of a visa in the UAE ?” Usually, it takes a day to cancel the visa, but in some cases, it may take slightly longer.

1.4 What happens if the individual stays longer than the grace period in the UAE?

Once the person has requested their visa cancellation, they will automatically start their  grace period.

The individual has a 6 months grace period in the UAE to stay in the country legally to decide what their next step will be. The options are applying for a job and obtaining a new visa, or leaving the country.

When they stay for longer than the time stipulated in their grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE, they must pay an overstay fine in the UAE in 2022 . This fee consists of a determined sum for each day of overstay.

3. Why are these changes beneficial?

The UAE Authority has always aimed to improve living and working conditions for their residents to continue welcoming professionals who can boost the local economy. The extended grace period after a visa cancellation in UAE intends to make these processes better for expatriates.

With the new grace period after a visa cancellation in the UAE, people can enjoy the following benefits:

• They can request the cancellation without worrying about visa cancellation charges as they will have more time to carry out the legal procedures.
• Additional time to prepare for departure from the country. In this way, they can carry out additional tasks such as closing their bank account and paying bills or loans.
• Employees can work on their UAE cancellation paper and stay in the UAE longer to find a job or to apply for another type of visa.
• People have more time to prepare for the moving process.
• It improves the labor market and encourages competitiveness and flexibility
• Individuals can apply for a freelance visa and be their own sponsors to stay in the country
• It helps people to avoid overstaying fines and any other issues related to immigration.
• Makes it easier for individuals to avoid a travel ban since they will not have to rush to leave the country.
• The person can request a visit visa after residence visa cancellation to stay in the country for longer.

4. What are the new UAE visa reforms?

When it comes to visa reforms, there are many announced along with the changes to the grace period.

Some of the most relevant ones are the following:

4.1 UAE Golden Visa changes

The UAE Golden Visa is a very important document for investors and skilled professionals, but it had one limitation that now has been changed. Previously, Golden Visa holders were not allowed to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months, because it invalidated the document.

Therefore, people had to stay outside the UAE but make sure to return within 6 months, otherwise, they would lose this crucial document. But, with the recent changes to the law, holders of the Golden Visa can travel outside the Emirates and stay as much as they require. They will not lose their residence status.

On the other hand, there has been some news regarding a 3-month grace period after golden visa cancellation, but there are no confirmations about it. It is advisable to wait until the Authority announces it officially.  

4.2 New rules related to the Green Visa

When it comes to the Green Visa , freelancers , skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors can apply for a 5-year residency, as long as they comply with the requirements.

4.3 New types of visit visa

Visit visas are a great option for those who want to travel to the UAE to get to know the place and even to apply for a job.

Since it is an important visa scheme, Authorities have created new types of visit visas. Here is what the UAE has announced about this matter:

• Some new types of visit visas do not require you to have a sponsor.
• All these new visa types are available for multi-entry and single-entry.
• These new visit visas have a validity of 60 days from the date of issuance.
• Some of the new categories are aimed at those individuals looking to find a job, explore business options, visit relatives or friends in the UAE, look for a temporary job, and even study.

There is a new type of visit visa which is the multi-entry 5-year tourist visa . With this document, the person can stay in the Emirates for up to 90 days. Additionally, they can apply for an extension for a similar period. In this regard, they cannot stay for more than 180 continuous days in the same year.

4.4 Changes to Family Visas

Family Visas are also very important for individuals who want to bring their dependents with them. In this regard, UAE residents can now sponsor sons up to the age of 25. Previously, sponsors could sponsor their sons but only up to the age of 18.

On the other hand, there is no limit on age when it comes to sponsoring unmarried daughters. And, children regardless of their age can obtain a residence permit.

5. How do these new reforms bring advantages for visa holders?

In addition to the announcement of the grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE , the government announced new changes to visa schemes (which we mentioned before). In this regard, both the new rules for visa cancellation in Abu Dhabi and the new laws concerning visas are excellent for residents and expatriates.

These are some benefits this brings for the UAE and also to individuals who want to reside in this nation:

• It increases flexibility in the UAE labor market. This is because ex-pats are now allowed to look for a job while they stay in the country.
• It is a way to encourage economic and professional growth.
• Expatriates who lose their jobs can remain in the Emirates and look for another source of employment.
• Foreigners can job hunt without rushing.
• With the new visit visas, individuals can travel to the UAE to look for a job and apply easily.
• Individuals can sponsor their sons up to 25 years old which can help them to apply for a job in the UAE too.

6. How can Connect Resources assist you during your grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE?

At Connect Resources , we understand how important it is to comply with all the government regulations when you are a foreigner working in the UAE . For this reason, we want to assist employers and employees with all these procedures, ensuring that each process ends successfully and satisfactorily.

Our team is always up-to-date with the new visa rules in the UAE for 2022 . We will provide you with all the assistance you need to get the most out of your grace period.

Moreover, we help companies thrive in the UAE with our wide range of services . We encourage you to learn more about us to understand how we can support you with our:

• Employer of Record.
• Professional Employment Organization.
• Payroll outsourcing.
• Visa and government services.
• Emiratisation .
• Contract staffing services .
• HR outsourcing services .
• Recruitment services .
• IT outsourcing.
• Staff outsourcing.
• HR consultancy.
• Executive search .

Do you need assistance with the grace period after your visa cancellation in the UAE ? Our team of specialists can help you with all your demands. Contact us at +971 43 316 688 or send us any inquiries you may have at [email protected]. We are more than glad to be a part of your journey!

Alternatively, if you want to find the best jobs in the country , you may want to check thetalentpoint.com . The Talent Point is a platform where you can register and connect with top employers from the Middle East. You can also send your CV to [email protected] and wait for a callback!

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How to Check Your Visa Cancellation Grace Period in UAE

Visa Cancellation Grace Period in UAE

When your visa is cancelled in the UAE, it’s crucial to know the grace period allowed for you to either change your status or exit the country. Staying beyond the grace period may lead to penalties and legal issues. In this blog article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to check your visa cancellation grace period using the ICP website.

How to Check the Grace Period After Visa Cancellation

To determine your grace period following the visa cancellation date, please follow the steps outlined below:

• Visit the ICP website : https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity .
• In the “ Search By ” section, select “ File No .” option.
• In the “ Select the Type ” section, choose the “ Residency ” option.
• In the “ File Type ” section, select the “ Emirate Unified Number ” option.
• Enter your unified number (found on your visa or residence permit).
• Select your nationality from the drop-down menu.
• Enter your date of birth in the specified format.
• Complete the reCAPTCHA and click “Search” : To verify that you’re not a robot, solve the reCAPTCHA challenge by clicking on the appropriate images. Once you’ve done this, click the “ Search ” button to proceed.

At the bottom of the page, you’ll be able to see your grace period after visa cancellation . This information will give you the allowed days to stay in the country (grace period) from the file cancellation date. You’ll need to either change your status or exit the country within this timeframe.

Checking your visa cancellation grace period is a crucial step to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid any penalties or legal issues. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily determine your grace period using the ICP website. Always remember to adhere to the grace period to maintain a positive immigration record and avoid complications in the future.

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• Visa and Immigration in UAE

UAE visit visa: Overstaying, absconding visitors cause fines, penalties for travel agencies

Some visitors unintentionally stay back for longer, unaware that the 10-day grace period has been removed.

SM Ayaz Zakir

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Visit visa holders who overstay their permitted duration and break the rules cause travel agencies to incur fines and face operational challenges, travel executives have said.

According to the agencies, cases of visitors overstaying and absconding have compelled authorities to implement stricter entry regulations at Dubai Airports. When a case of an absconder is filed against a visitor, it results in financial and operational challenges for them.

No more grace period

One of the primary reasons for visitors overstaying is a misunderstanding on the visa grace period. “Many visitors believe they have a 10-day grace period to stay beyond their visa's expiry date. However, this grace period was removed last year, leading to unintentional overstays. They are in denial and we regularly inform them that there is no grace period,” said Firoz Maliyakkal, founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels.

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Sudden financial complications can also play a critical role. “Some visitors face unexpected financial difficulties during their stay, making it very difficult for them to return home on time,” said Libin Varghese from Rooh Travel and Tourism.

“Additionally, the charm of Dubai and the UAE's diverse attractions entices visitors to extend their stay and explore without considering the legal repercussions,” added Varghese.

Another common reason for absconding visitors is job hunting after being captivated by Dubai’s lifestyle. “Visitors, captivated by Dubai's opportunities, apply for jobs and wait for interview calls, neglecting their visa status. They often overstay hoping for employment, which places them in a legal situation,” said Firoz.

Delayed interview call

Bilal Abbas, who had arrived in Dubai in February to visit his relatives, recounted his experience. He said: “During my visit, I learned of a job opening in a friend's company. I decided to apply and surprisingly got called in for an interview. I was thrilled but completely forgot about my visa expiry date, just three days before the second interview.”

Despite overstaying for nearly 8 days, Abbas managed to secure a job. “I had to pay around Dh1,000 in fines when I exited the country. Fortunately, I obtained residency status on March 28 and returned to the UAE.”

Penalties for travel agent

According to travel agents, such actions have severe consequences. “When a visitor doesn’t report to us after visa expiry, the travel agency that facilitated their visa faces substantial fines and penalties,” said Firoz.

Travel agencies must pay a fine of Dh2,500 to authorities for each absconding case. “Additionally, the agency's visa quota is reduced, affecting our ability to operate efficiently and invite more people to the UAE,” said Varghese.

Dh2,000 absconding fine

According to industry experts, visitors who overstay illegally face hefty fines and to withdraw an absconding case; one has to go through a series of processes. “Absconding visitors can get the status removed by paying a minimum Dh2,000 fine, along with penalties for the overstay and additional administration and exit fees,” said Firoz. He added that these expenses can become overwhelming for both parties – visitors and travel agencies.

However, visitors should be aware that the minimum fine of Dh2,000 can increase to Dh5,000 when additional fees payable to authorities are included.

Travel agents are urging visitors to be aware of the legal implications of overstaying their visas. “Dubai remains an attractive destination for visitors, it is crucial for travellers to respect the visa regulations and avoid overstaying. Proper planning and adherence to visa regulations are essential to avoid legal complications and financial penalties," said Firoz.

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