Dubai: It is reported that UAE residency visa holders who have been living outside the country for more than six months can apply for a permit to re-enter the country. But such people will have to explain the reason for staying outside the country for such a long time with proof. The travel and typing center agents confirmed that they have received the notification in this regard. The new law will be beneficial for many residency visa holders, including Malayalees who have been in India for six months for treatment etc.
Residents can apply for the service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website under ‘Smart Services’. The name of this service is ‘Issue Permit for Stay outside UAE for more than 6 months’. The applicant can re-enter the country only after receiving an approval e-mail from the ICP. It will take at least five days to complete the approval process. Applicants have to provide their and their sponsors’ details, passport and residence related information to avail the service. A mandatory field in the application asks for a reason to stay outside the country for six months or more.
Residency is usually automatically revoked if the resident is out of the country for 180 days. But this is not applicable for Golden Visas. They can stay abroad as long as they want without affecting their residency status. The entry permit system is the latest in a series of changes to the recently implemented visa and residency system. Fees for obtaining ICP services, including visas and Emirates IDs, were increased to Dh100 earlier this month.
Visitor visas can no longer be extended in the UAE
Recently, the system of extension for visitor visas from the UAE itself was abolished. Visitors must leave the country and return on a new visa. Now many people are getting a new visitor visa by visiting UAE’s neighboring countries like Oman, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Indians including Malayalees change their visa even when they go to their own country by looking at the airfare.
The fine has been consolidated at Dh50
The ICP recently consolidated the penalty for overstaying a visa in the country to Dh50. Tourist and visitor visas will cost Dh50 instead of Dh100. However, residence visa holders will have to pay Dh50 instead of Dh25.
The UAE’s biggest entry and residency visa reforms came into force in October last year. The reforms cover all aspects of residency, including an expanded golden visa scheme. new five-year green residency; Multiple-entry five-year tourist visas and work-seeking entry permits were also granted.
English Summary : Residency visa holders staying outside country for over 6 months can now apply for re-entry permit