UAE Visa Amnesty: Advisory on Exit Permit Validity

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), as part of the continuation of the UAE’s amnesty program, has issued important advice on exit permit validity that applicants who have regularized their residency status should secure.

The ICP clarified that exit permits issued to beneficiaries under the status adjustment grace period shall have a validity period of only 14 days, which means applicants shall leave the country within the time period. The e-services facility is available in terms of the applicant’s personal or company account and/or any approved typing centers. In most cases, the application service is accessible on the official website of the ICP or its smart application.

ICP provided a six-step process to apply for an exit permit:

1. Login through the UAE PASS digital ID.
2. Select the “Exit Permit Issuance” service.
3. Select the category (family members, domestic workers, laborers, or cancelled visa holders).
4. Select the person for whom the exit permit is being applied.
5. Submit the application, view details, update if necessary, and pay the relevant fees.
6. Receive the exit permit through email and ensure departure within the stipulated time.

ICP went further to warn that all people holding exit permits must leave the UAE before the permit or grace period expires. In this case, grace period expires on December 31, and those who will not comply will be charged penalties and restricted.

To exit, violators must be in possession of a valid passport or an active return document. Documents issued by embassies or consulates will also be allowed provided they fall in line with the information on their records. ICP advised the applicants to make all necessary exit permit procedures before issuing them with travel tickets to prevent a hassle.