Tourism is one of the key industries in the UAE, it significantly contributes to the country’s economy. The Tourism industry is regulated by various laws and regulations in order to maintain its standard and quality as a top tourist destination.
Overstaying your visa in the UAE can result in serious consequences, which includes fines, deportation, or you may even be banned from re-entering the country. It is important to understand the legal procedures that may be involved if you are a tourist who has overstayed your visa in the UAE.
In the UAE the Federal authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is a body entitled to prepare regulations, laws, rules and procedures governing nationality, passports, entry and residence of foreigners in the UAE.
Article 5 of the Federal Law no 29/2021 on the entry and Residence of foreigners places an obligation on the foreigners to leave the UAE when his visa expires or is cancelled, unless he has obtained a Residence Permit in the UAEin accordance with the provisions of this Decree-Law and its Implementing Regulation, so when a tourist breaches his obligation he shall be in violation of the law, therefore attracting legal penalties.
Further, it is important to note that overstaying in the UAE is considered a violation of the country’s Immigration laws, the penalties for overstaying generally vary depending on the length of overstay and the circumstances of the individual case.
A new set of guidelines were officially published by the government of UAE in March 2023, the new law provides much awaited clarification on some important aspects of the UAE immigration process. Further the new law introduces a grace period which allows the foreign national to remain in the state without being fined for overstaying their visa, tourists are granted a grace period of 10 days during which the individual may exit the country.
Cabinet Decision no. 89/2022 on the administrative fines for violations related to the services of the Federal authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) provides for the fines that shall be imposed for overstaying the period during which a foreigner is authorized to stay in the UAEafter the cancellation or expiry of the visa. It states that a fine of 50 Dirhams shall be imposed per day of the overstay.
The tour agencies in the UAE are obligated to comply with the local laws and regulations, the tour agencies shall file an absconding case against an individual who has overstayed their visit in UAE, if the tour agency has sponsored the individual. Absconding in the UAE is a criminal offense and such tourists may be arrested by the police.
It is important to note that the UAE government takes immigration violations seriously and overstaying a visa shall have significant legal and financial consequences. To avoid overstaying your visit in the UAE it is essential that you understand the requirements for entering and exiting the country, and that you understand the legal procedures involved and to seek the legal advice of a qualified legal professional.
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