UAE allows expats abroad with expired visas to return without new entry permit
THE UAE has allowed expatriate residents currently abroad whose residency visas have expired to return to the country without obtaining a new entry permit, under a temporary measure announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
The decision applies for one month, from February 28 until March 31, and comes in response to exceptional circumstances that prevented some residents from returning to the UAE before their visas expired.
According to the ICP, the measure aims to facilitate the return of expatriate residents and ease travel procedures during the specified period.
Eligible residents will be permitted to re-enter the country and regularise their residency status through the relevant official procedures after arrival.
Authorities said the initiative reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to support residents and ensure flexible administrative measures in response to exceptional situations.
How to check your UAE visa grace period online
If your residence visa has been cancelled or has expired, you may be unsure how long you can remain in the UAE while searching for a new job. Residents are granted flexible grace periods ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on their visa category.
If you are unsure about your timeline, you can check your grace period online within minutes through the smart services portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — here’s how.
How to check your grace period online
1. Visit the ICP smart services website - smartservices.icp.gov.ae
2. Click on ‘Public Services’, on the menu tab and then click on ‘File Validity’.
3. Next, select one of the options – ‘search by file number’ or ‘passport information’ and select the type ‘Residency’.
4. If you selected the passport option, enter your passport number expiry date and nationality. If you choose file number, enter one of the following details:
• Emirates ID number
• Emirates Unified Number (UID number)
• File number
5. Next, enter your date of birth and nationality.
6. Tick the ‘I’m not a robot’ captcha and click the ‘Search’ button.
You will then be able to view the ‘allowed days to stay in the country’.
Additional tip - Once you receive your UAE residence visa cancellation form, you will also be able to see the exact date by which you should leave the country or change your residency status at the bottom of the form. During the grace period, you can either leave the UAE or apply for a new residence visa.
UAE residence visa categories with six-month grace period
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (UAE ICP) has explained that five visa categories are allowed to stay for six months after the expiry of their residency visas:
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1. Golden residency holders and their family members,
2. Green residency holders and their family members,
3. The widow or divorcee of a foreigner residing in the country,
4. Students studying after completing their studies and who are sponsored by the universities and colleges in the country,
5. Residents in the country who have skilled professions of the first and second levels according to the classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
