Final reminder as October 11 deadline for UAE visa renewals looms

Jobseekers or residents with expired visas will be hit with financial penalties from October 12

Tourists from Ukraine arrive at Dubai International Airport on flydubai flight on July 10. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The Covid-19 pandemic requires everyone to maintain hygiene protocols such as wearing a mask and social distancing. AFP

An Indian passenger carries a child as she waits for a repatriation flight from Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers test an Indian citizen at Dubai International Airport before he boards a repatriation flight. AFP

Medics screen passengers waiting to board repatriation flights at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Passengers heading for Dubai can now be tested for Covid-19 at a greater number of facilities after the Emirates airlines recognised more clinics outside the Pure Health network. Getty Images

All UAE residents whose visas expired between March 1 and July 11 must renew them by October 11 to avoid a fine for overstaying.

In July, the Cabinet, in support of those hit by the coronavirus outbreak, announced a three-month grace period for GCC passport holders and UAE residents to renew their visa and residency documents.

Residents must take a medical test – a prerequisite for the renewal of their status.

To verify visa validity on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship portal or ICA, visit www.ica.gov.ae.

Dubai residents can check on the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs portal.

Breaking the residency visa rules incurs a fine of Dh25 a day and an additional Dh250 is imposed when leaving the country.

There is also a daily Dh20 fine for not renewing an Emirates ID. This can go as high as Dh1,000.

Those sponsoring dependents or housemaids should check the portals for the all visa renewal information.