People whose visa fines are waived and leave the UAE after May 18 won’t be banned from reentering the country, an official told Gulf News.

On Wednesday, UAE announced a full waiver on all visa fines as per the directive of the President of the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

People with entry or residency permits that expired before March 1, 2020, will not have to pay fines if they leave the country after May 18. The grace period will last for another three months.

Brigadier Khamis Al Kaabi, spokesperson of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said there will be no entry ban on people who benefit from the new order and they can re-enter the country.

“The decision will not prevent the beneficiary from returning to the country when he or she fulfills the conditions for entry in accordance with the provisions of law. There is no entry ban procedure for the beneficiary,” Brig Al Kaabi said.

The order includes waiver of fines on expired Emirates ID and work permits.

According to the Immigration Law, an individual who is overstaying in the country without valid residence visa or staying illegally after the entry permit has expired, shall be deported.

Brig Al Kaabi said the authority will announce the mechanism and service provider channels soon.

He said: “We urge the public to use the smart platform of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to get the services they need.”

Meanwhile, Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, praised the new order saying it will help visa violators to change their status.

“It is a great gesture by our leader in the middle of the current situation and the challenges that the world is witnessing. The orders will help to change the status of visa violators and benefit from the services provided by the country,” Maj Gen Al Marri said.