The government in the UAE issues decisions with financial penalties and fines due to the visit visa
Travel executives have stated that visit visa holders who violate regulations and extend their stay beyond what is allowed result in fines and operating difficulties for travel businesses.
The organizations claim that instances of tourists overstaying their visas and fleeing have forced officials to enforce more stringent entrance requirements at Dubai Airports. They face operational and financial difficulties when a case of absconder is brought against a tourist.
No more grace period
Misunderstanding the grace period for visas is one of the main causes of tourists staying longer than intended. Many travelers think they have ten extra days to stay after their visa expires. But last year, this grace period was eliminated, which resulted in inadvertent overstays. "We constantly tell them that there is no grace period, but they are living in denial," stated Firoz Maliyakkal, CEO and creator of Tahira Tours and Travels.
Unexpected financial difficulties may also be quite important. According to Libin Varghese of Rooh Travel and Tourism, "some visitors face unexpected financial difficulties during their stay, making it very difficult for them to return home on time."
Varghese continued, "Plus, the allure of Dubai and the UAE's varied attractions tempts travelers to prolong their stay and explore without thinking about the legal ramifications."
Seeking employment after becoming mesmerized by Dubai's way of life is another frequent cause of visitor disappearances. Enthralled with Dubai's prospects, travelers seek for employment, wait for interview calls, and pay little attention to the status of their visas. They frequently overstay in the hopes of finding work, which puts them in legal hot water, according to Firoz.
Delayed interview call
Bilal Abbas described his experience after traveling to Dubai in February to see his family. "I learned of a job opening in a friend's company during my visit," he stated. I chose to apply, and to my surprise, I was invited for an interview. Though I was excited, I totally forgot that my visa was set to expire—three days before the second interview.
Even after staying more than eight days, Abbas was able to get employment. "I had to pay fines when I left the country, almost Dh1,000 in total. Luckily, on March 28, I was granted resident status and was able to return to the United Arab Emirates.
Penalties for travel agent
Travel agents claim that these kinds of activities have dire repercussions. "The travel agency that facilitated the visitor's visa faces substantial fines and penalties when the visitor doesn't report to us after their visa expires," stated Firoz.
For every case of absconding, travel agents are required to pay a fee of Dh2,500 to the authorities. Furthermore, Varghese stated, "the agency's visa quota is reduced, which affects our ability to operate efficiently and invite more people to the UAE."
Dh2,000 absconding fine
Industry insiders say that illegal overstayers risk severe fines and need to go through a number of procedures in order to have their absconding case withdrawn. "Visitors who abscond can have their status revoked by paying a minimum fine of Dh2,000, in addition to overstay penalties and additional exit and administration fees," stated Firoz. He also mentioned how these costs can end up being too much for travelers as well as travel companies.
Visitors should be advised, nonetheless, that if extra costs that must be paid to the authorities are added, the minimum fine of Dh2,000 may rise to Dh5,000.
Travel agencies are warning tourists about the legal repercussions of exceeding their visa time. "Visa regulations must be followed and overstaying is discouraged, as Dubai continues to be a popular travel destination." To prevent legal issues and financial fines, careful preparation and compliance with visa requirements are crucial, according to Firoz.
