Residents and visitors in the UAE with an expired visa are considered overstayed and are fined for each additional day they spend here. If you have overstayed your welcome, there will be fines. You can check the amount needed to pay on the government websites like ICA or GDRFA. Simply enter your passport details and you will have all the information. Since there won’t be any grace period after visa expiration, here’s all that you must know.
What is an Overstay Fine?
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It’s basically a fee that you pay for living in the Emirates after your visa has expired. Not paying the fine can get you directly sent to your home country or even banned from entering again. It is a serious offense and the amount gets accumulated with each passing day. If it comes as a sudden realization, check ASAP for the fine amount.
How to Check the Overstay Fine
It’s very simple. Just refer to the options below to get all the details:
- ICA Website: Open the official website, enter your Emirates ID or passport number and your fine amount will be displayed.
- Check the status of your Emirates ID online before proceeding.
- GDRFA Website: If you are a Dubai resident, visit this website and enter your details to check.
- Mobile Apps: The Emirates government has made it easier with mobile apps. Login with your details and know how much you owe.
- Immigration Office: The immigration office can also help you check if you have a fine to pay and how much.
How Much is the Fine? What Happens if You Don’t Pay?
As per the rules, anyone exceeding their tourist, visit or resident visa will have to pay a fine of AED 50 per day. Overstaying in the Emirates for more than the permitted time requires you to pay the penalty to clear all charges. Remember, the longer you stay without visa renewal, the higher the fine gets.
Ignoring the fine can cause serious problems like:
- Deportation: You will be asked to leave the country.
- Re-entry Ban: You won’t be allowed to enter again for a certain period.
- Legal Issues: In some cases, you can be arrested or face other legal problems.
How to Avoid Overstay Fines
You don’t have to be scared, just responsible. By following a few basic points you can continue a smooth stay in the UAE:
- Keep Track of Time: It may not be possible to remember the expiration date but you can always set a reminder to know when the expiry is near.
- Extension Application: It’s possible to have a change of plan and you want to or have to stay longer. In this case, it’s good to apply for an extension before your visa expires.
- Leave on Time: Do as the law says. Leave the Emirates before your visa expires or else there will be fines.
Conclusion
It’s very easy to check if you have overstayed and it’s also simple to pay the penalty for the same. Refer to the official websites and mobile apps, or directly visit the immigration office to settle the fines. Keep track of the expiration date, renew if required or simply leave on time to avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy a smooth stay in the UAE