Grace period after visa cancellation in the UAE

Navigating a visa cancellation can be incredibly challenging, especially when timelines and next steps are unclear. To mitigate this, UAE immigration rules and regulations offer individuals a grace period so that they can renew their visa, change their status, or plan their return to their home country. However, this grace period is not uniform and differs based the visa type. Without a clear understanding of the laws, you can run into unnecessary and hefty consequences, so we're breaking it all down in simple terms.

Current rules governing the UAE grace period policy

Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 governs the entry and residence of foreigners in the UAE. Article 5 under this particular law states that foreigners are expected to leave the country upon the expiry or cancellation of their visa unless they get a residence permit or renew their visa. Article 10 of this law states that the chairman may cancel the visa at any given time if the foreigner causes any harm to public interest or goes against the regulations of the law. Article 11 states that foreigners who continue to stay illegally even after their visa or residence permit expires will be subject to administrative fines.

Do’s and don’ts during the grace period

Use your grace period wisely to avoid issues after visa cancellation. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you navigate this time:

Do's:

1. Verify your visa validity and the applicable grace period according to your visa type.
2. Renew or change your visa status in advance if you plan to stay in the UAE.
3. Plan your return travel early and ensure you exit the country before the grace period ends if you choose not to renew your visa.
4. Understand applicable exceptions where authorities may allow you to stay without penalties, such as flight cancellations or exceptional circumstances.

Don’ts:

1. Do not overstay beyond your grace period, as this can lead to fines and legal consequences.
2. Do not ignore or delay paying overstay fines if they are incurred.
3. Do not continue working after your work visa expires or is canceled, even if you are within the grace period.

What happens when you stay in the UAE after the grace period?

Staying beyond the grace period can lead to significant fines, starting from AED 50 per day and amounting to AED 1500 per month. After this, you'll have to pay an exit permit, ranging from AED 250 to 300. Sometimes, overstaying can also make it difficult for foreigners to get future visas and, in the worst case, even lead to a ban on reentry.

Tips for HR teams to navigate the UAE visa cancellation grace period

If your organization employs expatriates, it’s important to remind them of their visa cancellation dates well in advance and keep them informed about the next steps, whether that involves renewal, a change of status, or exiting the country. It’s equally important to note that employees are not permitted to continue working during the grace period once a work visa is cancelled. HR teams should also offer guidance and support to employees planning their return to their home country. Lastly, staying up to date with work visa regulations is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal or financial consequences.