It has been announced by the UAE government that the holders of an UAE Investor or Partner Visa can now stay outside the country for an additional 6 months. This extension is granted due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UAE government is now allowing the holders of an investor or a partner visa to stay outside the country for a maximum of 1-year from the last exit date from the UAE (subject to expiry of the visa). Residents, that are currently outside the UAE and like to travel back, are advised to contact the UAE diplomatic missions in their respective host countries for all necessary support to facilitate their return.
Please note, that this ruling does NOT apply to “normal” employment visas, but the government also decided for an extension of expired residence Visas and suspension of fines for “Emirates ID” violations, which helps the all the visa holders.
Inline with the precautionary measures taken by the government in various sectors against repercussions of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the UAE Cabinet has adopted a package of new decisions in order to facilitate the current circumstances of UAE citizens, residents and visitors to preserve their health and safety, and to support the performing and continuity of government work.
One of the decisions is important for holders of UAE residence visas: The cabinet has agreed to extend residence visas expiring on March 1, 2020, or within the time frame specified by this decision, for a period of three months. There will be no additional fees charged upon renewal. The measure shall simplify the procedures for residents in the country and furthermore exempt them from any fines incurred in the current conditions.
In addition, it has been agreed to halt the administrative fines for all violations resulting from services provided by the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship for a period of three months, starting from April 1, 2020, and subject for extension. This covers, for example, fines related to the Emirates IDs.
