The grace period for foreigners in the UAE to rectify their residency status or voluntarily leave the country without facing deportation will end on Thursday, October 31. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced that starting November 1, strict actions will be taken against violators who fail to adjust their status.
The Authority advised individuals with residency violations to take advantage of the remaining days by visiting service centers across the UAE to resolve their status and avoid legal consequences. After October 31, fines will automatically be reinstated, and travel bans will be put back in place through the electronic system.
In accordance with a Federal Decree Law amending the Labor Relations Regulation, fines from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million will be imposed on those employing workers without proper authorization, not providing employment after recruitment, or misusing work permits. Businesses closing without settling workers' rights will also face penalties.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai witnessed a surge in demand at service centers like "Amer" and the Al Aweer center as the deadline approaches. Colonel Abdullah Atiq highlighted a significant number of individuals seeking to depart due to limited job opportunities. Leaving the country before the deadline is recommended for those unable to fix their status, as it exempts them from fines and potential entry bans upon returning.
After November 1, individuals failing to adjust their status or leave the country will have previous fines reinstated. Those who secured work contracts but didn’t complete residency procedures will also be fined post-deadline. Dubai authorities, with the collaboration of relevant entities, will conduct strict campaigns against violators, including adding them to entry-ban lists and conducting thorough inspections in areas known for residency violations.
