Latest News on UAE Re-Entry Permits: What You Need to Know for Hassle-Free Travel

Discover the latest re-entry permit news to the UAE, will help you resolve your doubts in this regard. Thanks to this permit, you will be able to enter the country if you have to spend more than 6 months outside of it for some relevant reasons. This way, you will not have to apply for a new visa and you will save time and money in the process.

In this article, we will show you what you need to know regarding this permission, including its importance. You will also know how to request it and we will answer some re-entry permit questions to clear up common doubts.

Importance of Re-Entry Permits

Knowing the re-entry permit news for UAE after the allowed period will help you know how you can enter the country. Therefore, below, we will show you what the updates are regarding this permission.

Significance for UAE Residents

Expatriates holding the majority of residence visas in the country cannot stay more than 6 months outside the country. For example, those who have a work permit are expected to remain in the country, even more so if they have dependents. Thus, if they are away for more than 6 months, this significant period calls their residency into question.

However, the exceptions to this rule are golden and investors visa holders in the country. The rules for this type of permit have not changed significantly in recent years, only during the pandemic period.

Scenarios Requiring Re-Entry Permits

The cases in which it is necessary to obtain a re-entry permit UAE are those in which the citizen remains outside the country for more than 6 months. However, residents must have a valid reason why they stayed out of the country longer than the allowed time. In addition, they must present proof of residence as one of the essential requirements to receive the permit.

However, there are no established guidelines that define the valid reasons for requesting said permission. However, some of them may be medical reasons, humanitarian reasons, or have to do with work. Additionally, there are exemptions whereby none of the qualified persons in certain categories require said permit, including:

• Golden visa holders.
• Students studying courses in foreign institutions.
• Residents whose sponsors are diplomatic or consular representatives.
• Domestic workers accompanying Emirati students studying abroad.
• Domestic workers accompanying Emirati patients receiving medical treatment abroad.
• The foreign wife of an Emirati citizen.
• Domestic employees accompanying members of diplomatic and consular missions that represent the country abroad.
• Residents who work in the public sector and were sent to attend a training or specialization course abroad.
• Employee in the public sector who work in the offices abroad of their employer.
• Any other person that the ICP decides to exclude.

Overview of Previous Re-Entry Permit Regulations

The re-entry permit news that was previously given in the country was due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These were due to the need to alleviate procedures to facilitate the entry of residents into the country during the contingency.

Summary of Previous Regulations

During 2020, the height of the pandemic, expatriates with expired visas were able to enter the country. In this way, the authorities recognized the existing challenges regarding travel restrictions and global closures at the time. However, starting in mid-2021, they began to gradually resume the old measures to resume residency.

Challenges or Limitations

During the period in which measures were relaxed due to the pandemic, the authorities did not reduce precautions. Therefore, although they allowed resident expatriates to enter the country, they had to update their documents. In addition, the authorities guaranteed pre-approval of entry, so they did not need to apply for an entry permit.

Recent News and Changes

The most current re-entry permit news are those that originated in 2022 and came into effect in 2023. From then on, the regulations remain the same, so the permit is mandatory in most cases.

Detailing the Latest News

Residents of the nation with more than 6 months abroad can resume their status through online services. This is due to new regulations by the Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP). This would only be for people who can justify the period outside the country, which may be for work, studies, or medical treatment.

Nevertheless, golden visa holders do not need to apply for one of these permits as they can stay abroad longer than this time. For those who do require approval from the authorities, you must comply with the requirements and apply to the ICA.

Modifications to Regulations

• Since the easing of regulations by the authorities, and after Covid 19, the request can be made in the online system.
• Resident foreigners must now obtain approval to obtain a re-entry permit UAE.

Key Changes Explained

The changes to the regulations that took place starting in 2022 favor expatriates who have spent 6 months or more abroad. Below you can see a summary of the rules and requirements to obtain the permit.

Breakdown of Key Changes

The re-entry permit news indicates that the applicant must know and comply with the following requirements:

• The request must be made on the official ICA website.
• You must do it after 180 days outside the UAE.
• The applicant must have a legitimate reason to justify the prolonged stay outside the country.
• You will have to pay AED100 for every 30 or fewer days outside the UAE.

Impact on UAE Residents

The new regulations regarding this permit benefit foreigners who remain outside the country for more than the allowed time. However, the rule is only limited to reasons that authorities must consider valid for issuing the permit. In this case, the reasons may include personal emergency reasons, or to receive medical treatment.

In addition, the measure can be beneficial for the local economy, by retaining talent in the country due to this type of facility. This can also attract foreign investment, as the country seeks to diversify its economy and works on every aspect of it.

Application process Simplified

One of the re-entry permit questions is about the process to obtain it, which you can do online.

Streamlining of Application Process

Residents who have obtained their residence permit in Dubai must follow different guidelines than those of the other Emirates. To begin, you must seek the assistance of an agent in the country to apply at an Amer Center. On the other hand, if the applicant has a sponsored work visa, the employer must apply.

In the same way, if a person is the sponsor of the applicant, it is this person who must request the permit. Self-sponsored people can apply for a permit at public service facilities at personal expense.

For the other Emirates, you must apply for permission on the ICP website, that Is the autorize authority. In this case, applicants for the re-entry permit UAE must comply with the steps that we will detail below:

1. Go to the Smart Services section on the ICP website
2. Next, you will need to select Issue permission to stay outside the UAE for 6 months.
3. Then click Start Service.
4. Indicate your personal information, as well as that of your sponsor if you have them, and add information about your passport and residence.
5. You must indicate the reason why you are spending more than 6 months outside the UAE.
6. Finally, pay the application fees.

The authorities will process your request, and if they accept it, you will receive an email at the address provided in the request. After receiving the approval email, you will have 30 days to enter the country.

Tips for Navigating

According to the re-entry permit news, the authorities offer facilities to request said permit. The request must be made only through the channel established for this purpose, the official ICP website. You must go to the smart services on the same website since that is where you will find the service you must request.

Also, make sure you enter all the data correctly, which will avoid delays or rejection of the application. You must have access to the email you provide as you will receive approval there, otherwise, you will not be able to enter without confirmation.

Extended Validity Periods

The validity period of the permit has remained the same since the announcement of the return of the entry permit as a requirement. In this case, once you obtain approval from the authorities, you will have a specific period to return to the country.

Extensions or Adjustments to Validity Periods

Since the re-entry permit news announcing the return after the pandemic, the authorities established a maximum period to enter the UAE. This period is exactly 30 days, which means that you will not be able to enter the country after that time. Therefore, if you exceed this time, you will have to justify it if you want to apply for the permit a second time.

Benefits for UAE Residents

UAE residents who have been out of the country for more than 6 months will have the opportunity to re-enter with the permit. The 30-day period they offer after approval allows you to get everything to return in time before the approval expires. However, we recommend that you make the request when you no longer have pending matters so that you do not have complications when returning.

Implications for Residents

With the new requirement for a re-entry permit for the situations we have indicated, there are different perspectives to consider. The regulations have brought benefits that residents can take advantage of, always complying with regular procedures. Below we explore some of the effects that these rules brought:

Effects of Updated Regulations

Resident citizens can now travel outside the country for more than 6 months but with a valid reason. This means that, if the reasons for the absence are not justified according to the authorities, you may suffer serious consequences. Therefore, although the measures are beneficial, you must stay within the law to avoid problems.

Furthermore, it does not mean that the absence has no consequences, in addition to the leave, you will have to pay the fees for the excess period. Thus, although there are no legal consequences, you do have to consider the financial implications as the permit also has a cost. Therefore, residents should be cautious if they have an urgent need to travel abroad for an extended period.

Adapting to Changes

Resident foreigners can take advantage of this opportunity to address matters of interest that justify leaving the country. However, you should ask what is considered a reason that justifies extending your absence beyond 6 months. Additionally, residents should consider the financial consequences and be prepared to assume them.

Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Pitfalls

Upon hearing the re-entry permit news, you already know the guidelines you must follow to meet the requirements. This way, you ensure safe processing and increase your chances of obtaining permission to continue your residence. Below, you will see some tips to comply with the regulations and avoid inconveniences when requesting re-entry.

Tips for Compliance

• Find out about the legal reasons for being away longer than the 6 months allowed by government authorities.
• Ensure you have your documentation (passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID) in order and up to date.
• You must ensure that you have the financial resources necessary to pay the application fee and overstay fees.
• Have everything ready before applying for the permit to avoid delays.
• Collect evidence to show why you went over the allowed days.
• Make sure you fill out the application correctly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Not knowing current regulations can lead you to make compliance errors.
• If you go over the allowed time and do not have a valid reason, you may be denied permission.
• The ICP is the agency authorized to issue the permit, so you should avoid using third-party pages for the application.
• Make the payment to the authorized agency (ICP), using the correct payment methods.
• See whether or not you qualify for an entry permit exemption and avoid the unnecessary process.
• Avoid sending personal information to unauthorized agencies for these procedures.

Resources and Additional Information

Apart from the re-entry permit news that we have informed you, You can consult the ICP website about other aspects. This way, you can be aware of changes or aspects related to your particular situation.

Official Government Resources

• Smart services from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
• General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) Website
• ICP App
• Dubai Now app

Contact Details for Clarification

For more re-entry permit news or other relevant information, you can contact us through the following means:

• Website icp.gov.ae
• Call center 600522222
• Email contactus@icp.gov.ae

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a UAE re-entry permit?

The re-entry permit UAE is a solution for foreign residents who stay more than 6 months outside the country. This way, if they approve the application, they can enter the country without applying for a new residence visa. However, the permit is only valid for 30 days, so you must enter before it expires.

Why do I need a re-entry permit?

This permit is necessary if you have spent more than the allowed time (6 months) outside the country if you are a resident. It is a requirement to facilitate re-entry into the country and maintain your residency in the UAE. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a residency visa again, which involves going through the process again and paying fees.

How do I apply for a re-entry permit?

To request one of these permits, you must enter the ICP website or through an authorized travel agency. In the first case, you must locate the smart services section and enter the Entry Permit section after 6 months. If your application is approved, you will receive an email authorizing entry into the country within 30 days.

What are the documents required for a re-entry permit application?

To request this permit, residents must submit the documents listed below:

• Copy of the passport of the applicant
• Copy of the residence visa of the applicant
• Proof of the reason for the stay outside of what is permitted
• Original Emirates ID of the applicant or sponsor
• Copy of visa and passport of the sponsor (if applicable)
• International Bank Account Number (IBAN) of the sponsor (if applicable)

How long is a re-entry permit valid for?

After approval of the permit, the applicant will have a maximum of 30 days to re-enter the country. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a new permit for consideration by the authorities.

Can I extend the validity of my re-entry permit?

As we have mentioned, the permit is valid for 30 days, which is not renewable. Therefore, since you will need it to enter, you must apply again to have 30 more days to enter.

What happens if my re-entry permit expires while I’m outside the UAE?

As we have reported in the re-entry permit news, you will have 30 days to enter once you receive the permit. If you are still abroad after those 30 days, you must apply again to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security or ICP.

If you require more information regarding this and other similar topics, just contact us.