UAE eases visa renewal rules for Sudanese expats amid conflict

In a humanitarian gesture reflecting the UAE’s support for nations in distress, the country has announced that Sudanese nationals in violation of residency laws will be allowed to apply for new visas, renew their residency permits, and obtain Emirates IDs—even if their passports are valid for less than six months.

The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule.

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The United Nations says that nearly two-thirds of Sudan's population, more than 30 million people, will need aid this year.

The UAE more than once reiterated its firm stance in favour of Sudan’s people and their right to civilian governance, stressing that it does not support or contribute to the killing or displacement of civilians.

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The move to ease visa renewal rules for Sudanese expats in the UAE was not the first. Earlier this year, the country also announced that Sudanese in the UAE will be exempt from all fines related to residence and entry permits, starting May 19, 2025.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said that the exceptional measure aims to facilitate the process of regularising the status of Sudanese nationals in the country in light of the ongoing war.

Sudanese nationals can renew their residency permits and obtain identity cards using passports with a validity of less than six months, the ICP told Khaleej Times on Saturday.

The decision, which came into effect on May 19, will remain valid until the end of this year.

Those facing accumulated fines can now regularise their status and submit applications for new or renewed documents via the ICP’s official digital platforms, even if their passport validity is less than six months. The authority also stated that procedures would be streamlined and flexible, and that fines would be waived.

The move is made in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).

Over the past two years, the UAE has made sincere efforts to promote peace in the country. In contrast, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have repeatedly obstructed these initiatives and have now severed diplomatic ties with the UAE — despite the International Court of Justice recently dismissing their "fabricated accusations," according WAM.

Yasmin Hussein

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yasminabdel@khaleejtimes.com

Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.

Angel Tesorero

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He is a food lover too.