UAE Requires Certain Overstayers to Provide Fingerprints Before Leaving

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) has outlined new regulations for overstayers in the UAE, specifying who must provide fingerprints before leaving the country and who is exempt. This directive is in effect until October 30, 2024.

All visa holders aged 15 years and above are required to provide fingerprints before departure. Exemptions to this rule include individuals who hold an Emirati ID or residency, those who previously held an Emirati ID, children under 15, and those who are unable to provide ten-finger biometrics.

For overstayers who have previously provided fingerprint biometrics, they can request an exit permit directly, which will be issued without additional procedures. However, if an overstayer has no existing fingerprint records, they must visit designated fingerprint centers to complete the fingerprinting process before their exit permit can be issued.

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The exit permit will be valid for 14 days. If the permit expires within the grace period extending until October 30, 2024, overstayers will still be permitted to leave the country. If the permit expires after the grace period and the overstayer has not yet departed, the permit will be automatically canceled, and the overstayer will need to settle any outstanding fines before departing.

For visas issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Abu Dhabi, overstayers should visit service centers equipped with ten-fingerprint scanners located in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama to complete their fingerprinting. Those holding visas from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai must visit the Department of Follow-up of Violators and Foreigners in Al Aweer.

Overstayers with visas from other emirates can access fingerprinting services at designated service centers throughout those regions.

The ICP encourages residency violators to utilize the grace period to regularize their status. They can do this through electronic and smart channels or approved printing offices, avoiding the need to visit service centers. The grace period offers several benefits, including exemptions from residency and visa-related fines, establishment card fines, ID fines, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation fines, cancellation and departure fees, and provides an opportunity to leave the country without facing ban stamps.