Expired Visa? Here’s What It Could Cost You

If you are living in the UAE or plan to visit, understanding the latest visa regulations is crucial. 

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has reinforced strict visa regulations, ensuring compliance with the UAE's immigration policies. This requires the visa holders to exit the country or adjust their visa status before their visa expiry/cancellation. Failure to comply with this rule may result in legal consequences and hefty fines. 

Here’s a detailed look at the latest rules, including visa application, cancellation, overstay fines, and more.

UAE Visa Validity and Overstay Fines

All UAE-issued visas are valid for 60 days after the date of issuance. 

If you are already in the UAE and your visa is about to expire or has expired, you must either extend the visa, adjust the status, or exit the country before expiry.

Depending on the type of your UAE residency visa, you can get a grace period of 1 to 6 months after its expiry. If you fail to renew your visa within this period, a fine of AED 50 (per day) will be imposed. 

It’s worth noting that this fine has been made uniform by the ICP. So whether you are on a residence visa or a tourist one, you will face a daily fine of AED 50 after visa expiry.

How to Extend Your UAE Visa?

To avoid the penalties associated with overstaying, it’s necessary to extend the validity of your visa in the UAE — whether you are a resident or a tourist. 

The process is quite straightforward. You can head to the official website of ICP or use its official app and follow these steps — 

• Log into your user account via UAE Pass
• Select the visa type 
• Fill out all the requested details 
• Pay the specified fees 

Note: As per the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD), the standard visa extension fee is AED 600. However, the actual fees may vary as per the circumstances.

Residence Visa Cancellation 

If you are leaving the UAE permanently, you must cancel your residence and any dependent visas. For employment residence visas, the employer must first connect with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to cancel the employee’s labour contract and work permit before submitting a visa cancellation request.

This also requires a mutual document signed by the employer and the employee to proceed with the visa cancellation application. It’s a type of confirmation from the employee’s side that they have received all their dues, salary, and additional benefits. 

Steps to Cancel Residence Visa

Visa cancellation can be done through two main channels: authorised typing centers and online platforms. 

Authorised Typing Centres

Sponsors can visit accredited typing centres, where trained professionals can complete the cancellation form and submit it to the ICP.

Online Platforms

Sponsors or hosts can apply for visa cancellation online through

• The ICP official website and smart app (available on Google Play and the App Store)
• The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security portal
• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs platform

⭐Tips to Avoid Legal Issues and Penalties ✔️ Track your visa expiry date and renew/cancel it on time ✔️ Use the ICP smart app for quick visa applications and cancellations ✔️ Ensure all dues are cleared before canceling your work visa

It’s important to be aware of the latest guidelines issued by the government authorities. To keep yourself updated, check the websites of ICP UAE and GDRFAD regularly.