Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

Illegal residents or those who have overstayed their UAE residence visa will be given amnesty starting on September 1, authorities announced on Thursday (August 1). A two-month grace period will be given, during which violators will be exempted from paying fines, according to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). According to the authority, the amnesty is aimed at providing visa violators with the chance to regularize their status under the law. Procedures for the amnesty will be announced soon, according to the ICP. Under UAE rules, residence visa holders must renew their visas prior to expiry or leave the country in order to avoid paying fines. Staying in the UAE with an expired visa will result in a fine of Dh50 per day. Holders of expired or cancelled residence visas are given up to six months to renew their visa. ICA/Expat Media
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