UAE Tourist Visa: Warning tourists not to overstay, could be blacklisted, charged with absconding- News

Some travel agencies have confirmed that those on the blacklist will be banned from entering the UAE and other GCC countries

Tourists in the country on visit visas have been warned not to overstay by a day. Tour operators say such tourists could be blacklisted and charged with absconding.

Some travel agencies have confirmed that those on the blacklist will be banned from entering the UAE and other GCC countries.They urge tourists whose visas have expired to make the necessary arrangements and leave the country as soon as possible

Why do intermediaries charge overstaying visitors as absconding?

Visitors entering the UAE on a 30-day or 60-day visitor visa will be granted the visa under the sponsorship of an agent. If tourists overstay, agents will bear the brunt and lose money. “We reported that they absconded for our safety,” said Libin Varghese, director of sales for Rooh Tourism and Travel LLC.

“It’s not about losing money. We provide a specified number of visa applications on the portal and if a visitor overstays, we cannot apply for a new visa. Sometimes our portal can also be blocked,” Varghese added.

Agents also reiterated that overdue fines will be imposed to save their business. They have to retrieve it from the visitor. “The minimum fine for absconding that has to be paid is Dh2,000 and it is increasing every day. Visitors will pay more based on the number of days overdue,” said an agent, who did not want to be named.

How does one quit if accused of absconding?

To leave the UAE, the person should first get in touch with the agent who handles the visa. The next step is to pay the associated fine to the agent in order to withdraw the absconding case on the portal and get the visitor an exit pass.

Absconding is a criminal offense and alleged tourists could be arrested by police, agents said. “If tourists are unable to ascertain their visa status at the airport, they may be deported,” said Taha Siddique, owner of Siddique Travels, adding that every tourist should always communicate with their sponsor.

To keep their visa status valid, the aggregator urges tourists to stay alert a few days before their visa expires. “Most of them forget their visa expiry date, so it is advisable to have a reminder on their mobile phone five days before their visa expires. Many arrive at the airport and are informed that their visa is expiring, which could lead to deportation ,” Siddique added.