Waive Your Dubai Visa Fines Easily
How to Request Visa Fine Waiver in Dubai? Eligibility and Process Explained
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides individuals with the opportunity to request a reduction or complete waiver of fines imposed for violating immigration regulations. Visa violations include expired visas, overstaying the permitted duration, or using fake visas.
When Can Visa Violations Occur?
Many visitors unintentionally exceed their visa validity because they don't realize that visitor visas do not have a grace period. After the visa expires, the daily fine is 50 dirhams. Residents with a residency visa receive a grace period after the visa expires or is canceled, ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the visa category. If this period is exceeded, they must also pay a daily fine of 50 dirhams.
Authorities acknowledge that violations often arise from complex situations, such as misinterpretation of immigration rules, administrative delays, or unexpected personal circumstances.
Who is Eligible for a Visa Fine Waiver?
Not everyone is eligible for a fine waiver or reduction. The following conditions must be met to apply for the waiver or reduction:
a. The imposed fine amount is at least 4,000 dirhams.
b. Overstay of tourist visa, visitor visa, or residency visa occurred.
c. The overstay was due to a medical emergency, job loss, or other unforeseen event, which can be substantiated with appropriate documentation.
d. Individuals experiencing significant financial difficulties and unable to pay the fine.
It is important to know that if the employer reported the worker as "absconding," the situation must first be clarified with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Required Documents for Application
To submit a visa fine waiver or reduction request, the following documents need to be obtained:
1. A copy of the affected person's passport, including the visa page.
2. A detailed letter explaining the reason for the violation and the inability to pay the fine, supported by all relevant evidence.
3. Any additional documents requested by the UAE Fines Committee.
How to Submit the Application?
There are two ways to submit a visa fine waiver application in Dubai:
1. Visiting an Amer Service Centre:
a. Visit the nearest Amer customer service center.
b. Request a queue number and wait your turn.
c. Submit all required documents to the customer service representative.
d. Pay the service fee (if applicable).
The service fee is approximately 390 dirhams, but the amount may vary across different Amer centers.
2. Visiting GDRFA Offices in Person:
a. Visit the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office.
b. Submit the required documents and apply.
c. Authorized personnel will review the application and may request additional information.
If the sponsor is an individual, an additional fee of 15.75 dirhams must be paid.
Where is the Service Available?
The application can be personally submitted at the General Administration - Al Aweer Centre, which operates during the following hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Application Processing and Duration
The processing time of applications varies depending on the complexity of each case. The GDRFA has not specified a set timeframe for processing applications, but submitting complete documentation is recommended for faster processing.
Summary
In Dubai, individuals have the opportunity to reduce or completely waive visa fines if they can prove their violation occurred due to circumstances beyond their control. It is crucial to gather the required documentation and use the appropriate official channels to submit the application.
