The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a change to the passport validity requirement for those seeking to amend their status as violators. This period has been reduced from six months to just one month during the grace period for status amendments, which began on September 1 and will last for two months.
This adjustment aims to simplify the process for violators, allowing them either to leave the country without receiving an entry ban stamp or to secure job opportunities while remaining in the country.
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about the #TowardsASaferSociety initiative, which embodies the values of compassion and tolerance in the UAE. The initiative aims to offer violators a new opportunity to regularize their status easily and smoothly, in line with the law and taking their personal… pic.twitter.com/PIoP0IYdxv— Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) September 21, 2024
New requirements
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the Authority’s Director General, stated that the new one-month passport validity requirement applies to residency and visa violators, foreign-born children, and individuals listed on administrative lists. This change enables violators to amend their status without needing to renew their passports if their validity is less than six months, addressing the previous requirement. It alleviates the lengthy process of passport renewal through embassies in the country.
Encouraging compliance through grace period
Al Khaili emphasized that this decision adds a significant advantage to the existing exemption from fines during the grace period, encouraging violators to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity. The revised passport validity will be applicable solely during the grace period for amending status (from September 1 to October 31, 2024).
Read more: Visa-free travel to Sri Lanka: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and 33 other countries granted access
Call to action for violators
Major General Al Khaili noted that this policy change reflects the Authority’s commitment to developing effective solutions for those benefitting from the grace period. He explained that the Authority prioritizes communication with affected individuals to understand their needs and challenges, aiming to create solutions within the legal framework.
He also urged violators to reach out to the Authority’s call center to raise any questions or concerns they might have, so that the relevant team can assess the issues and work towards effective resolutions.
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