Nigerians and other foreigners in the United Arab Emirates whose resident visas had expired have till November 17 to leave the Gulf country.
This followed the suspension of visa extension for foreign residents and expatriates by the UAE government on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, residents with visas that expired before March 1 had until August 18 to leave the country without having to pay a fine, but now, they have until November 17.
The authorities said those who violate the directive would be deported and would also pay fines under the UAE immigration regulations.
Under its modified COVID-19 visa policies that took effect August 1, foreign residents currently in the country have until October 10 to renew expired visas.
According to the UAE official portal, tourists and visit visa holders have a grace period of 10 days to renew their visas or they would be fined AED200 (N20,476) for the first day of overstay; AED100 (N10,373) each consecutive day and AED100, as service fees.
In the case of UAE residents, they have 30 days grace period after visa expiry to either amend their status and get another resident visa or leave the country.
Fines do not apply during the grace period, but if they overstay after the grace period, they will be fined AED125 for the first day; AED25 for each subsequent day; AED50 per day after six months of overstaying and AED100 per day after one year of overstaying.
“Residents with expired visas who wish to leave the country should cancel their expired visas prior to departure. Their visa cancellation documents will show the grace period they have to exit the country,” it said.
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