UAE's Humanitarian Easing for Sudanese Visas

Eased Visa Extension Rules for Sudanese Residents

The United Arab Emirates has once again exemplified humanitarian compassion by easing visa extension and residency renewal rules for residents hailing from war-torn Sudan, even if their passports are valid for less than six months. This decision is part of a comprehensive package of measures aimed at regulating the legal status of Sudanese residents in the UAE.

Humanity in Practice

The Sudanese civil war, which broke out in April 2023, directly impacts over 30 million people, with two-thirds of the population requiring humanitarian aid. The UAE has previously expressed its support for the Sudanese people and commitment to civil governance, emphasizing multiple times that it is not involved in any military or violent actions.

According to their recent decision, Sudanese citizens are exempt from all fines related to residence and entry permits, and the simplified regulations allow the application for new visas and Emirates IDs—even with passports valid for less than six months. The measure is effective from May 19 and will remain in place until the end of 2025.

Digital Processing and Flexible Regulations

As per information from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the affected individuals can submit their applications through the authority's digital platforms. The system is simplified and flexible, with accumulated fines being completely waived.

The measures were established in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) to ensure the legal status of as many Sudanese residents as possible despite the wartime circumstances.

Strong Political Message

With this step, the UAE not only delivers a humanitarian but also a diplomatic message: they remain committed to peace, despite the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) rejecting peace efforts and severing diplomatic ties with the Emirates. This happened even though the International Court of Justice recently dismissed the charges from the Sudanese military leadership, labeling them "unfounded."

Summary

These current measures demonstrate that the UAE is not only considered a leader in economic and technological terms but also takes its humanitarian commitments seriously. The benefits offered to Sudanese residents provide both legal relief and symbolic support to a suffering nation.

(Source of the article: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) statement.)