Every expat in the UAE on a regular residence visa knows that he/she cannot remain outside the UAE for more than six months. Their residence permit can become invalid if they do so.
However, we know that there can be certain circumstances because of which a resident may have to remain outside the UAE for long periods, such as higher education, medical treatment, etc.
Keeping this in mind, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has introduced a system via which a resident who has remained outside the country for more than six months can apply for an entry permit.
The service allows the residents to activate the residency again and use it to enter the country, subject to the approval of the authority.
Requirements to apply for the entry permit
A resident who has stayed outside the UAE for over six months must do the following to apply for an entry permit:
- The application must be submitted from outside the country
- The resident can apply for this request after 180 days of staying outside the country
- When the application is approved, the applicant must enter the country within 30 days starting from the approval date
- A valid reason must be provided to justify being outside the country for more than 180 days
- A fine of AED100 will be charged for every 30 days or less spent outside the country
- The remaining period of residence must be more than 30 days when submitting the application
- If the person is sponsored by an establishment, the application can be submitted either by the person or by the establishment
- The fine and fees can only be refunded if the application is rejected
- The service does not include residents of the emirate of Dubai
Where to apply?
The application can be submitted via the following channels: the ICP app, customer happiness centers, or typing centers
What are the documents needed?
The resident must submit a copy of their passport and Emirates ID, and also provide a reason for staying outside the UAE for six months.
What are the fees and fines?
According to the ICP website, the following fees need to be paid: E-services fees of AED28, ICP fees of AED 22, smart service fees of AED100.
Moreover, a fine of AED100 needs to be paid for every 30 days or less spent outside the country.
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