Khaleej Weekly’s 10 October explainer dissects the latest entry-permit extension page released by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The page, read on 9 October, caps extensions for tourism-agency-sponsored visit visas at a cumulative 120 days, while relative, job-seeker and medical-treatment permits may reach 180 days. Fees are standardised at AED 100 for the application plus AED 500 for each extension, bringing the total to AED 600 before 5 per cent VAT. Overstay fines remain AED 50 per day, with no official ‘grace period’—contrary to speculation on travel-agency blogs. A 14-day visa available to certain nationalities can be extended once for the same period at a reduced AED 250. The article notes that GDRFA Dubai’s channels are not covered by the ICP page, leading to divergent advice on how many 30-day extensions a Dubai-issued visa allows. Until a consolidated directive appears, corporate travel managers should instruct assignees to file for renewal at least four working days before expiry to avoid fines and Emirates-ID holds. For companies using short-term visit visas to onboard contractors, the new caps may complicate project timelines. Immigration advisers suggest switching to the 60-day job-explorer permit, which counts toward the 180-day ceiling but allows multiple entries and on-shore interviews without a sponsor. The ICP update also reinforces the requirement to apply through UAE Pass and the smart services portal, signalling the authority’s ongoing push toward end-to-end digital processing. Amer service centres can still submit applications on behalf of visitors who do not yet have a UAE Pass account.
Source: Khaleej Weekly
