What happens if you overstay on Cancelled Visa in the UAE? By Al Tawkel Centre
The United Arab Emirates, known for its strict immigration policies, and overstaying your visa, especially after it has been cancelled, can result in serious outcomes, legal penalties, daily fines, or even possible entry bans. It’s more important than ever for expats and visit visa holders to be aware in managing their visa status and exit timelines to avoid difficulties.
What is Cancelled Visa?
In UAE, a cancelled visa means your residency permit, be it work, family or investor that has been officially terminated by the sponsor, such as an employer or family member. Once the visa is cancelled, the visa holder loses the legal right to stay in the country under that visa. The grace period, which allows you time to leave or adjust your status, begins immediately.
How Al Tawkel can help
- Verify your visa cancellation status and calculate your exact grace period
- Plan visa transfer or legal exit
- Assist in preparing and navigating all required legal and immigration documents.
Grace Period after Visa Cancellation (2025 Rules) Al Tawkel Center Advisory
In 2025, the UAE has introduced revised grace periods or various visa categories:
- Standard Employment Visa: 30 days after cancellation
- Golden, Green, Investor or Student Visa: Up to 180 days
- Visa/Tourist Visa: No grace period; fines apply from the first day of overstay
- Visa on Arrival ( 30-day eligible nationalities ): 10-day grace period after expiry
These timelines are clearly mentioned in your cancellation documents or can be verified through the ICP or GDRFA online platforms. Applicants are advised to confirm their exact dates using official resources.
AL Tawkel Center Offers
- Instant grace period checks and status update via official government platforms
- Expert advice and support to help you understand the best options for your visa category
- Reminders and follow-ups before grace periods expire
What happens if you overstay? – Legal Insight by Al Tawkel Center
If you stay in the UAE after your grace period without updating your visa status, you will be considered an overstayer and may face legal and financial penalties.
- Daily Overstay Fines: In the UAE, overstayers are fined AED 50 per day, starting immediately after the grace period ends. In addition, you may also face an initial fine between AED 125 and AED 300, All fines must be paid in full before departing the UAE or applying for a new visa application. Al Tawkel Center can help calculate and settle fines efficiently.
- Exit Permit Fee: When overstaying, you will need an exit permit, also known as an out-pass, to leave the country. This typically costs between AED 200 to AED 350, depending on your situation and the location of application (airport, GDRFA office or Amer Center). Our Expert at Al Tawkel Center can assist with the application process and guide you to the right authority.
- Immigration Ban: In severe or repeated cases, the UAE authorities may impose a temporary or permanent immigration ban, preventing you from re-entering the UAE and perhaps affecting future visa applications across the GCC region. Al Tawkel Center checks your immigration record, helps appeal bans, and offers exit plans to reduce long-term impact.
- Arrest and Detention: Overstaying your visa in the UAE without regularising your status may result in detention and deportation by immigration authorities. Deportation can lead to a travel ban and may lead to being blacklisted from the country. With Al Tawkel Center help, you can report voluntarily, avoid arrest, and resolve overstays legally. Case-based humanitarian waivers can also be requested.
- Blacklisting: Individuals who repeatedly or significantly overstay in UAE may face blacklisting. Being blacklisted can result in an indefinite restriction on future entry to the country. Al Tawkel offers blacklist checks, legal help to resolve blacklisted cases, and guidance on alternative visas in the GCC or free zones.
How to Avoid These Consequences – Al Tawkel Center Best Practices
- Track your visa status through ICP or GDRFA
- Apply for a new visa before your grace period ends
- Exit and re-enter
- Consult legal advisors
- Visit Amer Center or GDRFA offices
We also provide
- Reminders for visa expiry and grace periods
- Legal drafting and government PRO assistance
- End-to-end overstay resolution plans
Can You Rectify an Overstay?
Over stayers in the UAE can pay fines and settle their status before leaving. Voluntary reporting often allows for departure without detention. You might also be able to apply for a new visa or request a fine waiver in special cases. Exit permits are available at airport, Amer Center or GDRFA offices. Don’t wait fix your visa status before facing serious penalties.
Al Tawkel Center will help you
- Calculate and pay overstay fines
- Apply for exit permits quickly and correctly
- Request fine waivers or submit humanitarian appeals
- Apply for new visa options if eligible
Conclusion
In 2025, overstaying on cancelled visa in the UAE is a serious offense with strict penalties, including daily fines, legal action or even a travel ban. Thankfully options like exit permits and visa changes are available. It’s important to track your grace period, act early, monitor your visa deadlines and consult official channels or licensed advisors. Al Tawkel Center, a licensed government services provider in the UAE, specializes in helping residents, visitors, and investors navigate immigration procedures with ease. From visa status tracking to grace period verification and beyond.
