ICP Eases Passport Validity Requirement for Visa Violators During Grace Period

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a significant amendment to the passport validity requirement for residency and visa violators during the grace period from September 1 to October 31, 2024.

The required passport validity has been reduced from six months to just one month, easing the process for violators seeking to amend their status.

This change is designed to simplify procedures for violators wishing to leave the country without an entry ban or obtain new employment opportunities within the UAE. The amendment particularly benefits foreign-born children and individuals on administrative lists, who previously faced delays due to lengthy passport renewal times through their embassies.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, emphasized that this adjustment is part of a broader effort to offer leniency during the grace period, exempting violators from fines. He noted that the decision reflects the Authority's commitment to addressing customer challenges by providing practical solutions.

Al Khaili encouraged violators to contact the ICP’s call centre for any inquiries and to provide feedback, which will help the Authority tailor solutions to their specific needs. The new measure, valid only during the grace period, aims to offer a unique opportunity for violators to regularize their status without the usual administrative hurdles.

This decision further underscores the ICP’s dedication to improving its services and ensuring efficient pathways for status amendment under UAE law.

News Source: Emirates News Agency