ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced the start of a grace period for violators, commencing officially from Sunday, September 1, 2024, for two months until October 30, 2024.
During a media briefing held Wednesday morning at the authority’s headquarters in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, the authority confirmed that the implementation of the grace period follows the wise leadership’s directives to grant violators time to regularise their legal status.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, stated during the briefing that this initiative reflects the humanitarian aspect of the UAE and its commitment to upholding the principles of respect for the rule of law, and the values of tolerance and compassion in society.
He explained that the grace period for violators provides an exceptional opportunity to achieve a range of strategic objectives for both the state and the violators, primarily by offering a flexible legal environment that contributes to enhancing the security and socio-economic stability that the UAE enjoys.
Four categories to benefit
Major General Suhail Al Khaili indicated that the beneficiaries of the decision to grant a grace period to violators include four main categories: visa violators, residency violators, individuals listed in administrative reports or those who have abandoned their work, and foreign-born children whose guardians have not regularised their residency.
Five types of incentives
Major General Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the ICP, affirmed that the grace period provides five types of incentives for violators to encourage them to regularise their legal status. These incentives include exemption from administrative fines related to residency and visas for those residing illegally, establishment card fines, ID card fines, and fines imposed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
No ban on re-entry
He noted that the grace period also offers exemptions from residence and visa cancellation fees, fees for withdrawing reports of work abandonment, departure fees, residence and visa details fees, and departure permit fees. Additionally, the grace period allows violators to leave the country after regularising their status without a ban on re-entry.
Not eligible
Major General Sultan Al Nuaimi pointed out that there are three categories that are not eligible for the benefits provided by the grace period: those who violate residency and visa regulations after 1st September 2024, those reported for work abandonment after 1st September 2024, and individuals under deportation orders from the UAE or the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.