The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a new initiative leveraging smart systems and artificial intelligence (AI) to exempt residency violators from fines.
Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director General of the authority, highlighted that this decision aims to help violators amend their status without financial penalties.
Starting September 1, violators of the residency system will have a two-month grace period to settle their status, free from financial fines under the Federal Law on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners. This initiative reflects the UAE’s values of mercy and tolerance, offering individuals an opportunity to regularize their status or leave the country without legal repercussions.
The ICP has pledged to implement all necessary measures to support violators in adjusting their status. This includes exempting them from fines and enabling a smooth process for either amending their residency or exiting the country.
This initiative follows a similar effort in 2018, which encouraged violators to voluntarily amend their status under the slogan “Protect yourself by amending your status.” That campaign provided a full exemption from all fines and did not place violators on the deprivation list, allowing them to return to the UAE with a new visa. Those wishing to remain in the country received a six-month temporary residence, not requiring a sponsor, and were registered in a virtual labor market system to find suitable employment and transfer sponsorship.
The 2018 initiative lasted five months and saw over 88% of violators rectify their status, benefiting tens of thousands of individuals and families.
It’s worth noting that upon the expiration of a residence visa, the UAE grants a 30-day grace period during which individuals can legally remain in the country. The residence visa must be renewed before this period ends to avoid an overstay fine of Dh50 per day.
