Dubai visa: Residents can learn more about overstay fines, expired permits in new initiative starting today

[Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a photo of the situation on the first day of the GDRFA's initiative. Take note that the first phase of this awareness campaign has already ended and details about a new location will be announced soon. Click here for more information.]

People in the UAE who are facing visa-related issues can have a golden chance to learn more about how to resolve them in a new awareness initiative.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) is running a 3-day campaign titled 'A Homeland for All' at Deira City Center to reach out to residents, visitors and tourist who have issues with their visas.

The campaign, which will run every day from February 25 to 27, will have authorities from the GDRFA at a stall in Deira City Centre to help those who have any issues with their visa, including those who have overstayed their permits and those with expired documents. The stall, located near Centrepoint, will be open from 10am to 10pm.

Residents, who are not sure about the validity of their visas, may check their permits' expiry by using only their passports, click here for a guide.

According to a GDRFA social media post, the campaign hopes to encourage a culture of compliance with entry and residence laws. Lt-Col Salem bin Ali, Director of the Client Happiness Department at GDRFA advised people to approach the stand without fear. “Even if you have overstayed for 10 years, our staff will find a solution for you,” he said in an Instagram story.

In the UAE, the cost of overstaying the permitted visa period attracts a fine of Dh50 per day. This also applies to visa cancellations and can often result in massive penalties. According to GDRFA, this campaign will give an opportunity to those in the UAE to fix any visa-related issues.

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