How to Check Overstay Fine, Apply for Waiver and Pay Online

The UAE is the pinnacle of development and opportunities. Every year, thousands of people across the globe fly to the country in search of a better lifestyle. The Government of the UAE is equally welcoming of foreign nationals and has taken remarkable steps to foster positive foreign relationships with them, leading to a land of multiculturalism.

However, with the plethora of avenues to study, work, and reside in the UAE, there are certain understandable and much-needed restrictions that have been put into place so that foreign citizens don’t exploit the opportunities provided to them. Overstaying in the UAE and not maintaining the permit stay limit can lead to serious legal consequences. 

If you are a foreign national and are thinking of moving to the UAE with the help of a visa, then this guide is worth your attention. We will discuss what happens when you overstay your residential permit in the UAE, what kind of fees and penalties you need to incur, where to check such fines, and how to pay for such fines, along with the overstay fine waiver in the country. So, read along.

Understanding Overstay Fines in the UAE

The UAE Government has initiated a wide range of residential visas that foreign nationals can avail of in various ways – whether through property investment, humanitarian work, environmental contribution, or simply enrolling in a reputed higher educational university. But, just like everywhere else in the world, every visa has its limitations.

If someone stays in the UAE beyond the permitted time, then overstay fines are imposed on them. As such, foreign nationals need to either leave the UAE or get a visa extension before the expiry of their visa. Overstaying in the UAE beyond the expiration of their visa is a punishable offense and leads to serious legal repercussions that involve fines.

While some intentionally try to illegally stay back in the UAE and pay serious consequences for it, there are many who are unaware of the abolished grace period law of the country that was provided previously to holders of tourist visas. As such, they end up extending their stay in the country unknowingly.  Whatever the case may be, it is crucial to stay updated and alert about the status of your visa so that you don’t end up suffering to pay fines. 

Fees and Penalties for Overstay in the UAE

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has standardized the overstaying fines in the UAE. Irrespective of whether you are holding a residential visa or a tourist visa, if you overstay your limit, then you have to bear a fine of AED 50 per day. 

It is believed that setting such a mechanism will help in handling illegal and wrongful extended stays of foreign nationals in the country promptly. It helps in motivating better compliance with the regulations of each type of visa. If you find yourself in a situation where you have accidentally extended your stay in the UAE beyond the permitted time, then you need to act swiftly to face minimal legal charges.

How to Check Overstay Fines in the UAE?

The first order of business is to check whether you have any overstay fines in the UAE. There are multiple avenues, both online and offline for you to check overstay fines in the country. Here is a laydown of both processes and you can choose one as per your preferences.

Offline Methods to Check Overstay Fines in the UAE

To check if you have any overstay fine and how much it is offline, you can visit an Amer Center or head to the nearby immigration and residency department. 

Online Methods to Check Overstay Fines in the UAE 

You can head to the official website of ICP, select ‘Smart Services’ first and then click on the ‘Start Service’ button for ‘Fines - pay fines - violations of entry permissions or residences’ option. You will be taken to a new tab. From there, select ‘Public Services’, and then click on ‘Fines and Leave Permits’ to track your overstay fine. Residents of Dubai can also head to the official website of GDRFA and choose ‘Fines Inquiry’ before entering their passport number and other allied details. 

How to Pay Overstay Fines in the UAE?

Now, after checking, if you find yourself in a position where you have any overstay fines under your name, then you need to act quickly to do damage control. 

Offline Methods to Pay Overstay Fines in the UAE

If you want to pay your overstay fines in the UAE through offline methods, then you need to visit a typing center or Amer Center. Provisions to make offline payments are also present at exit points, such as airports, seaports, as well as land borders. 

Online Methods to Pay Overstay Fines in the UAE

Online methods far exceed their offline counterparts since they are convenient, quick, and hassle-free. You don’t have to stress over waiting in government offices in a long queue and can get the job done in the comfort of your home. Not to forget, it is a reliable, safe, and extremely user-friendly process that provides quick resolution to your overstay issues.

You can use both the ICP and the GDRFA websites to make payments for your overstay fines. If you are using the ICP website, then use this link to pay your overstay fines. 

Dubai residents can use the GDRFA website and choose ‘Fines Inquiry’ before submitting their passport number and other allied details to complete the payment process. We recommend you check your fine before going on with the payment to ensure there are no discrepancies. 

Overstay Fines Waiver in the UAE

The Government of the UAE offers immense flexibility to foreign nationals when it comes to the visa processes, especially through the overstay fines waiver. It means that the government may waive the outstanding fine imposed on you. Doing so will suggest that you don’t have to pay for the overstay fines. However, please keep in mind that this is practiced only when someone is dealing with unforeseen circumstances.

You can apply for an overstay fines waiver through the GDRFA website. Once the authority reviews the application, they will either approve or disapprove your request. You will need the following documents while applying for a waiver.

• Emirates ID or passport of the sponsor
• Applicant’s visa and passport
• Approved e-visa for change of status
• File number and fine copy
• Cancellation paper for UAE exit
• A request letter for reduction or fine waiver (in Arabic)
• Supporting documents such as financial statements, medical reports, letters from employers, etc.

If you overstay because of legal issues, wherein your passport has been confiscated, you can attach a letter of proof with the required documents. This letter can be from the court or the police. Similarly, if your overstay is because of health issues, then you need to submit a medical certificate issued by the Ministry of Health and ensure the dates are clearly mentioned in it. 

In the event your overstay in the country is because of visa rejection, you can also apply for a waiver. Suppose, your visa to another country gets declined and you have to overstay in the UAE, then the UAE Government will provide up to a grace period of six months to apply for a new visa. You need to make sure that you are providing relevant documents for it. 

Grace Period

One of the many benefits that foreign nationals have is that they get a grace period of 30 days with their normal residence visas. Previously, this grace period was available with tourist visas as well but that has been now abolished. A 10 days grace period is still available for 30-day visa on arrival. UAE residents get up to six months of grace period to renew their visas. This allows them to legally reside in the country without facing any legal repercussions. 

If you have a student visa, investor visa, retirement visa, golden visa, green visa, or standard work visa, then you can enjoy a grace period of up to 180 days from the expiry date of your current visa. You can renew your visa during this grace period or decide to leave the country. 

You must keep in mind that this grace period is provided as a help by the government, not as a means to extend your stay. If you extend your grace period, you might face legal repercussions that will result in a temporary or permanent ban to enter the UAE. Additionally, you might be blacklisted as an overstayer, which will make it difficult for you to procure a visa for any other country in the world.

To Conclude

As welcoming the UAE is of foreign nationals to its land, one must keep in mind that there are rules in place that one must follow to ensure the smooth running of the country. One shouldn’t take the privileges available to them for easy access to the UAE for granted. The government has initiated the overstay fines to make sure no one is staying back in the country illegally.

Therefore, always keep a tab on the expiry date of your visa. If you find your visa expiry date is nearing, then depending on your needs and preferences, you should immediately arrange to leave the country or apply for renewing your visa. There are extenuating circumstances where the government offers waivers for overstay fines when the situation to leave the country is out of your control. 

The payment process for overstay fines is extremely simple, especially with the user-friendliness of the online avenues. So, make sure you are doing your part correctly and avoiding further complications by paying your fines quickly. 

Being aware of the overstay fines situation will help you handle the legal procedures smoothly. You will make your stay in the country much more convenient. We hope this has helped you gain crucial information about the aspects to keep in mind to make sure your stay in the UAE is legal and within the accepted protocols. Stay safe and enjoy this beautiful land by staying on the right side of the law.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Overstay Fine in the UAE

What is the rule for overstay in the UAE?

In the UAE, if you are entering and residing with a visa, you must check out of the country or renew your visa before it expires. Failing to do so will result in a punishable offense that includes an overstay fine of AED 50 per day.

How much is the overstay fine in the UAE?

The Government of the UAE has set the overstay fine in the country as AED 50 per day after the expiry date of the visa.

How to reduce overstay fines in Dubai?

The optimal way to reduce your overstay fine is to stay alert about the expiry date of your visa and leave the country or renew the visa before the date arrives. Additionally, you should check your overstay fines and promptly pay them since they add up with each passing day. Furthermore, if you find yourself in a situation where you overstay in the UAE due to unforeseen circumstances, then you can apply for an overstay fines waiver. 

How can I clear my overstay in the UAE?

There are both offline and online ways to clear your overstay fines in the UAE. If you want to pay through offline methods, then you need to visit a typing center or Amer Center. Options for making payments at exit points such as airports, seaports, and land borders are also there. For online methods, you can head to the official websites of either ICP or GDRFA to complete your transactions.

What happens if I don’t pay my overstay fine on time?

If you fail to pay for your overstay fines in the UAE on time, then you leave yourself vulnerable to various legal complications and additional penalties. Not to mention, you will face serious challenges to re-enter the UAE. Therefore, make sure to pay your overstay fines promptly. 

Are there any waivers available for overstay fines?

The UAE Government provides waivers for overstay fines on rare and unforeseen circumstances where the option to leave the country is restricted or limited due to legal, health, or employment issues. You need to apply for the waiver and provide relevant documents along with a letter for your reason to stay back in the UAE. 

Do I need to visit the UAE immigration office after paying the fine?

Usually, once you have paid your overstay fines, you don’t have to visit the immigration office. However, it is advised that you keep a confirmation of your successful payment with you so that you can present it at a moment’s notice when asked by official authorities.

Can I pay my overstay fine using a mobile app? 

Yes, you can pay your overstay fines in the UAE using a mobile app. The ICP has its official mobile app called UAEICP that you can download and use to make your overstay payments. 

Can I pay overstay fines at a government office?

Yes, you can pay overstay fines at a government office in the UAE. You can visit a typing center or Amer Center with the relevant documents to clear your overstay fines.