New UAE residency rule : 6-month grace period after visa cancellation

November 11, 2022 at 12:30 PM

The grace period to exit the UAE after a residency visa cancellation has been increased to between 60 and 180 days in most cases. 

According to Khaleej Times, the grace period, which was 30 days previously, depends on the category of the visa.

Expatriates need to either exit the country or get a new visa within the grace period after the visa is cancelled.

Typing centre agents and customer care agents at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) have confirmed the increased period is now in effect. 

The flexible period was announced as the country adopted sweeping reforms to its entry and residency visa scheme last month.

Accordingly, the period varies according to the visa type. As per the details they can access on the ICP system, here is the break-up:

180 days

  • Golden Visa holders and their family members
  • Green Visa holders and their family members
  • Widows or divorcees
  • Students who have completed their studies
  • Skilled professionals (first and second level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification).

90 days

  • Skilled professionals (third level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification)
  • Property owners

60 days

  • Normal residencies

30 days

  • Other categories

Even though some skilled workers will get a 180-day grace period, their dependents have just 60, according to an ICP customer care agent.

However, it is not clear whether this will be applicable for people whose visas have already expired. 

The Advanced Visa System comprises many residency types, including the Green Visa – which allows an individual to sponsor their family for five years, as opposed to the existing system of two years. It is applicable to various individuals including skilled workers, self-employed people, and freelancers.

There have also been a number of changes in visit visa permits. New visas will allow a stay of 60 days as opposed to 30 days earlier. 

Additionally, a five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced, which does not require a sponsor.

Since the new reforms came into effect, it has also been revealed that the validity of freehold visas has been reduced to two years, as opposed to the earlier validity of three years. 

This is also applicable to people who apply for a visa as a partner of a mainland company and their dependents. (NewsWire)