UAE Work Visa Rules: The rules for expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to stay in the country after their visa is revoked have been updated. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has shared details of the new grace period and penalties effective February 2026. Now, after losing your job or having your visa revoked, you can stay in the UAE for 30 to 180 days, depending on your professional category. This rule is a significant relief for Indians who need time to change jobs or find a new one.
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Grace Period Depending on Visa Category
The government has established different grace periods for different occupations. If you are a doctor, engineer, or a specialist skilled professional (Levels 1 and 2), you will receive 180 days from the date your visa is cancelled.
| Visa Category | Grace Period (days) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Professionals (Level 1 and 2) | 180 days |
| Golden and Green Visa Holders | 180 days |
| Other work visa holders | 30, 60, or 90 days |
| Tourist or Visit Visa | No grace period |
During this grace period, expatriates can legally remain in the country and look for a new job. If you find a new job, your new employer can apply for a status change. The status change process costs approximately 550 to 650 dirhams and does not require you to leave the country.
Fines and Other Important Rules
The ICP has now implemented a uniform fine system across the country. Previously, the fine amounts varied between Dubai and other emirates such as Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, but now they have been made uniform.
Daily Fine: If you remain in the country after the grace period expires, you will be fined 50 dirhams per day.
Exit Permit: If you remain in the country for 30 days after the grace period expires, you will need to obtain an exit permit of 250 to 300 dirhams upon leaving the country.
Visit Visa: The penalty will begin the day after the tourist or visit visa expires, as no grace period is provided for these.
Family Visa: If you are sponsoring your family, you must cancel their visas before or simultaneously with canceling your own visa.
Authorities advise all expatriates to carefully check their visa cancellation documents. This document now lists the last date you can remain in the country without penalty, in both Arabic and English.
