The United Arab Emirates authorities have decided to abolish the ten-day grace period previously granted to travelers whose visas had expired.
The new changes have been confirmed by local travel agents as well as call center workers who anticipate a statement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in the following days, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the Daily Pakistan report, travel agents have already informed their clients regarding the recent changes. At the same time, when it comes to the new directive, local media reports said that there will be no grace period once the visa expires, and visitors will have to strictly adhere to the terms specified on the visa itself.
“There is no grace period anymore. From the date of entry, the stay duration is as per the type of visa (30 days or 60 days),” a travel agent told its clients.
Previously, persons surpassing the visa validity period were subject to a grace period in order to leave the UAE without being subject to any penalties. However, now, all those who overstay their visa will have to pay an AED 50 fee.
The recent changes have been introduced in order to reinforce compliance with visa regulations and also ensure that visitors adhere to the duration of their stay in the United Arab Emirates.
According to Firosekhan, operation manager at Arabian Business Center, “all emirates except Dubai had done away with the ten-day grace period for visit visas.”
Firosekhan stressed that the grace period only applied to visas issued in Dubai. From May 15, authorities in Dubai lifted the grace period, meaning that a visitor or tourist must leave the country before their visas expire while warning about fines that will be applied for overstayers.
Travelers who stay without renewing their visas will be arrested for remaining in the UAE territory in an unlawful way, while inspection campaigns will be carried out in order to catch the offenders.
“A person overstaying the visa term will have to pay Dh50 for a day, along with Dh320 for relevant charges and exit permits. A person overstaying for 10 days will have to pay Dh500 plus Dh320, which is Dh820,” a travel agent in Dubai, Subair.
Dubai tourist visa validity was prolonged from 30 days to 60 days. In addition, it was further permitted to be renewed for 30 or 60 days upon application, therefore permitting tourists to stay for up to 120 days in the UAE.
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