Latest UAE visa decision, fines explained: Your top questions answered

Abu Dhabi - Here are the answers to some of your top questions.

The UAE Cabinet on Friday issued a decision that cancels all recently issued resolutions about the validity of residency visas from today, July 11. 
These include the residency extension previously granted to expatriates, who are within and outside the country, and whose visas expired between March 1 and 31, 2020. However, grace periods have been given to complete renewal procedures.  Entry permits and ID cards that have also expired will now be considered invalid.  
Here are the answers to some of your top questions:
Q: My visa and Emirates ID have expired in March, what will happen to the extension given until year-end?
A: The validity of expired visas and entry permits that was extended until the end of December this year has been cancelled. Identity cards that expired on March 1, which were previously considered valid until the end of the year, will now be deemed invalid.
Q: Now that my expired residence visa is considered invalid, how much time do I have to renew my documents?
A: If you are in the country, you have three months to renew your document. Residents and GCC citizens who spent less than six months outside the country will also be given one month for renewal, with the grace period starting from the date of their arrival in the UAE.
Q: What about residents who are outside the country with expired visas and cannot go back yet because flights are not yet available?
A: Residents who are outside the country with visas that expired in March or those who have spent more than six months abroad shall be given a window to return to the UAE from the date of reopening of airspace between the two countries. This will be according to a time frame determined by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Q: Will there be any fines for violations?
A: Yes. Fines will now take effect, as the Cabinet has cancelled the previous resolution that suspended penalties on violations related to residency. It clarified that no fines for the exemption period will be collected. 
Q: When is the deadline for fines and fees that have to be settled?
A: The Cabinet directed the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to start collecting fees from July 12.
Q: How can I get my documents renewed? 
A: Current services shall be available through electronic systems as much as possible to limit crowding at customer centres. Service departments in the country should consider and accept renewed electronic identity cards in the smart application of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

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