The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has issued fresh guidance on residency-visa grace periods and overstay penalties, responding to widespread confusion on social media about when daily fines begin. In comments carried by Akhbrna News on 11 November, an ICP spokesperson confirmed that most cancelled or expired residence visas carry a grace period of **30 to 180 days**, depending on the visa category, before fines accrue. Under Cabinet Resolution 65 of 2022, the standard administrative fine is AED 50 (≈ US$ 13.60) per day once the grace period ends. The ICP stressed that the overstay counter does **not** start on the printed expiry date if a grace period is still available. The clarification comes as thousands of employees rotate between companies at year-end and as Golden Visa holders consider downgrading to standard two-year permits. For employers, accurate tracking of cancellation dates and grace windows is essential to avoid unexpected liabilities when sponsoring family members or contracting short-term consultants who later convert status inside the UAE. Human-resources departments should update mobility dashboards to include automated alerts 15 days before grace-period expiry and budget for fines where unavoidable. Residents planning to leave the UAE permanently are advised to cancel their Emirates ID, close utility accounts and either exit the country or change status before the grace period lapses. Overstayers risk not only monetary penalties but also “absconding” blocks that can impede future entry or new work-permit issuances across the GCC. The ICP added that individuals facing exceptional circumstances, such as prolonged medical treatment, may apply online for a one-time fine waiver or extension. Applications must be supported by documentary evidence and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Source: Akhbrna News
