UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has issued an order - Opens in new tab to exempt all migrants whose entry and residency permits expired before 1 March from all fines and administrative restrictions, provided that they leave the UAE before 31 December 2020. The previous - Opens in new tab deadline was 17 November.
In the past, the UAE has issued several such exemptions for irregular migrants due to disruptions caused by Covid-19. But as some countries have still not resumed flights and the inability for migrants to afford repatriation tickets, many are still left stranded in UAE.
Those whose visas expired after 1 March are not included in the grace period and will incur fines as of 11 August - Opens in new tab.
UAE residents - Opens in new tab who are still outside of the country and whose visa expired after 1 March and have stayed out of the country for a period of six months or more will be granted a waiver on any fees effective from the date of the resumption of airspace between UAE and the respective sending country as determined by the ICA.
