On July 10, the Federal Authority For Identity And Citizenship (ICA)announced the cancellation of its previous decision on the validity of visas and entry permits for those in the Country. The Resolution came into effect on July 11, 2020.
Instead, the authority has given a three month’s grace period for those inside the UAE, whose visa expired after March 1, 2020, to apply for visa renewals.
We have put together a categorised facts-list to clear the air on speculations and rumours on this Decree.
For tourist visas:
- One of the decisions, which is cancelled is that UAE visas which had expired after March 1, 2020 (while in the UAE), will stay valid till December 31, 2020;
- All unused visas are cancelled;
- Local & UAE COVID-19 prevention policies apply to those who choose to travel to the UAE;
- Please consult us for visa renewals and applications as our agents are readily available in UAE to aid with the process.
For Residency visa:
Individuals can apply for renewal of the residence visa while in the UAE;- Applicants require medical fitness tests if their visa is issued in Dubai;
- The decision to extend the validity of Emirates IDs – which expired after March 1, 2020, till December 31, 2020, is cancelled;
- For returnees who have spent less than six months outside the UAE, a period of one month is provided to complete their renewal process;
- It is strongly advised that application for renewals should be made immediately -as future requests may be denied;
- Please consult us for visa renewals and applications as our agents are readily available in UAE to aid with the process.
Note:
- Application for renewals and fresh visa is open from Sunday, July 12, 2020.
- Be informed that all unused issued visa is automatically cancelled on March 17, 2020;
- As per the United Arab Emirates’s GDRFA policy for the meantime, there is no procedure announced for the refund and re-issuance of the Auto Cancelled “issued visas”;
- Administrative fees or fines will be collected after the end of the said deadlines;
- No fines shall be collected during the exemption period;
- Overstay fines after the grace period is as follows Dh221 for the first day, Dh25 for each consequent day;
- All new visa applications across the UAE require medical fitness tests;
- Only visas issued in Dubai emirate requires medical fitness for renewal while in the UAE;
- Application for residents in UAE should be made in person at an accredited typing centre or online via the website of ICA;
- Original passport is required for those being sponsored is necessary during application for renewals.
For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at info@afaritravels.com or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.
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