Residents can apply for the service on the Commonwealth Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website
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Khaleej Times revealed that UAE residency visa holders who have been outside the UAE for more than six months can now apply for permission to re-enter the country. These residents will need to explain the reasons for staying abroad for such a long time and may need to provide proof of this.
The Travel and Typing Center agent confirms that it has been notified in this regard.
Residents can apply for the service on the Commonwealth Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website. The service is called “Issuing Permits for Stays Outside the UAE Over 6 Months” and can be found under “Smart Services”.
Applicants cannot re-enter the country until they receive an approval email from the ICP. The approval process takes approximately five days.
To use the service, applicants must enter their details and their sponsor’s details, as well as their passport and residence-related information. A required field on the application form is the reason for seeking to stay abroad for six months or more.
The system specifies a total cost of Dh150 for the service.
Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service, confirmed that the new system was in place. “Before Covid-19, there used to be a face-to-face system, but now it’s harmonized and it can be done online.”
TP Sudheesh, managing director of Deira Travels, also confirmed receipt of the notification. “Residents need to follow an approval process. This can be found on the ICP’s electronic channel.”
The right of residence is usually automatically canceled if its holder is abroad for 180 days. An exception to this rule is Golden Visa holders, who can stay abroad as long as they want without affecting their residency status.
The new entry permit system is the latest in a series of recent visa and residence system reforms. Fees for using ICP services, including the issuance of visas and Emirates IDs, rose by Dh100 earlier this month. Visitor visas can no longer be extended within the UAE and the holder must leave the country and return with a new visa. The ICP also recently standardized the fine for overstaying a visa in the country to Dh50. Tourist and visitor visa holders who overstay will pay Dh50 per day instead of Dh100, while those on resident visas who overstay will have to pay double – Dh50 per day instead of Dh25.
The UAE’s biggest reform of entry and residence visas came into effect in October last year. The reforms cover all aspects of residency, including an expanded golden visa scheme; a new five-year green residency; a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa; and work-seeking entry permits.
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