What happens if my visa expired between 1st March 2020 and 31st December 2020?
Authorities in UAE have announced that people whose residency visas expired during the Covid-19 outbreak would be extended until the end of the year 2020.
Anyone whose residency visa expired between 1st March 2020 and 31st December 2020 will have it extended automatically until end of the year 2020. This applies whether your residency visa expired in April or will expire in June or later. In UAE immigration records, the visa will be extended to December 2020.
However, UAE authorities advice that it is better to renew the residency visa, especially if you plan to travel outside the UAE for vacation or any other reason, as you might have difficulties when returning back to the UAE
What about people whose visa expired or were cancelled before 1st March 2020?
These residents can stay in the country for three months, beginning 18th May 2020, without incurring fines. This means they can remain until 18th August 2020 without paying visa overstay fines. If they find a new job and are sponsored by their employer, they will be issued a residency visa.
What happens to residents who have lost their jobs and their employers have cancelled their visa after March 1?
People whose visas were cancelled after 1st March 2020 have a 30-day grace period from the date of cancellation. They need to secure a new job to change their sponsorship or leave the UAE within a month or risk incurring fines. The overstay fines are Dh225 on the first day and Dh25 for each subsequent day.
One option is to file for a tourist visa. Although tourist visas remain suspended for people outside the UAE, people within the country can apply for a tourist visa to get immediate relief. This will give them an additional 90 days without being fined.
What happens if my visa is cancelled but I cannot leave the UAE because there are no flights available to my country?
The UAE authorities have been accommodating and supportive where possible depending on each case. Residents should also get in touch with embassies about any processes in place.
How do I check if my visa is valid?
website: https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity
All community members, citizens, expatriate residents and visitors, who have any queries or questions, can contact the Amer call centre on 8005111.