UAE waives residency and visa fines for Sudanese nationals
Sudanese nationals in the UAE will be exempt from paying outstanding residency or visa fines under a move by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) to help them regularise their stay.
It will take effect from May 19 until the end of 2025.
Sudanese nationals can submit renewal applications via the ICP's official digital platforms.
The move reflects the UAE's efforts to strengthen the social and humanitarian well-being for those impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE eases visa renewal rules for Sudanese expats amid conflict
In a humanitarian gesture reflecting the UAE's support for nations in distress, the country has announced that Sudanese nationals in violation of residency laws will be allowed to apply for new visas, renew their residency permits, and obtain Emirates IDs—even if their passports are valid for less than six months. The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. The United Nations says that nearly two-thirds of Sudan's population, more than 30 million people, will need aid this year. The UAE more than once reiterated its firm stance in favour of Sudan's people and their right to civilian governance, stressing that it does not support or contribute to the killing or displacement of civilians. The move to ease visa renewal rules for Sudanese expats in the UAE was not the first. Earlier this year, the country also announced that Sudanese in the UAE will be exempt from all fines related to residence and entry permits, starting May 19, 2025. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said that the exceptional measure aims to facilitate the process of regularising the status of Sudanese nationals in the country in light of the ongoing war. Sudanese nationals can renew their residency permits and obtain identity cards using passports with a validity of less than six months, the ICP told Khaleej Times on Saturday. The decision, which came into effect on May 19, will remain valid until the end of this year. Those facing accumulated fines can now regularise their status and submit applications for new or renewed documents via the ICP's official digital platforms, even if their passport validity is less than six months. The authority also stated that procedures would be streamlined and flexible, and that fines would be waived. The move is made in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre). Over the past two years, the UAE has made sincere efforts to promote peace in the country. In contrast, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have repeatedly obstructed these initiatives and have now severed diplomatic ties with the UAE — despite the International Court of Justice recently dismissing their "fabricated accusations," according WAM.
The National
2 days ago
- The National
UAE eases visa rules for Sudanese citizens whose passports have almost expired
The UAE will allow Sudanese citizens with less than six months left on their passports to obtain or renew residency visas in a show of solidarity amid the war in their homeland. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) told The National on Friday that the decision aimed to help people regularise their status in the face of 'exceptional circumstances'. Applicants must typically have at least six months remaining on their passport to secure residency in the Emirates. The civil war in Sudan – which broke out in April 2023 – has hampered the efforts of its citizens based overseas to renew their passports. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions forced to flee the country as the conflict has created a worsening humanitarian crisis. 'The move reflects the UAE's efforts to strengthen the social and humanitarian well-being for those impacted in the exceptional circumstances in their country,' the ICP said in a statement. 'The procedures will be smooth and flexible to renew their permits after exempting them from paying fines.' 'The decision is part of wider national efforts to promote social and humanitarian stability for residents in the country.' For Ahmed El Shiekh, a Sudanese citizen living in Dubai, the decision will help him to renew his residency and secure his job. 'It is really great initiative. It takes quite long to get a new passport and may take up to six months to get one from Sudan,' the 37-year-old said. Mr El Shiekh, whose passport will expire in four months, said he can apply now to renew his residency. 'I was afraid to lose my job and didn't know what to do. I spent most of my life in the UAE and have no other place to go. I'm relieved,' he added.
The National
2 days ago
- The National
UAE evacuates citizens and residents from Iran amid conflict
The UAE on Friday announced it had evacuated 'a number of citizens and residents' stranded in Iran due to the conflict with Israel. The evacuees were flown to the Emirates in rescue missions carried out with the support of Iranian authorities, state news agency Wam reported. Airspace was closed over Iran and other countries in the region after Israel launched a wave of missile attacks on Tehran last Friday. Iran and Israel have continued to exchange fire in the days since. The hostilities have caused widespread travel disruption, with many airlines suspending and rerouting flights in response. The UAE said it was involved in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the deepening crisis in the region and restore stability and security. Emirati authorities did not say how many citizens and residents were flown out of Iran under the humanitarian campaign. UAE support The UAE on Tuesday announced it would waive overstay fines for Iranian citizens facing delays leaving the Emirates because of travel restrictions imposed due to the Israel-Iran conflict. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the measures would apply to residents and visitors holding any type of entry visa. The decision has been made under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed in solidarity with those caught up in 'exceptional circumstances' affecting the region.
