Master prompt
Overstayer recovery — visa amnesty + departure (UAE)
Client has overstayed visa. Map AED 50/day overstay fines, visa amnesty programmes (when active), departure arrangements, and re-entry ban consequences.
UAEVisa extensionOverstayerVisa amnestyOverstay finesRe-entry ban
[CLIENT_NAME] became overstayer on [VISA_EXPIRY_DATE]; today is [CURRENT_DATE]. UAE imposes financial penalties + re-entry bans; severe consequences for long overstays.
§1 — IMMEDIATE TRIAGE
Days overstayed = compute days between [VISA_EXPIRY_DATE] and [CURRENT_DATE]; subtract 10-day grace period (introduced 2024 — verify currency).
Overstay fines (post-grace):
• AED 50/day from day 11 (after 10-day grace)
• Cumulative; payable on departure or regularisation
• Capped in some categories; verify current GDRFA / ICP rules
Path determination:
PATH A — Pay Fines + Extend (short overstay, < 30 days post-grace):
• Apply for extension at GDRFA / ICP + pay back-fines
• Often available if [CLIENT_NAME] hasn't yet overstayed long
• Document compelling reason if needed
PATH B — Pay Fines + Depart (any overstay length):
• Approach GDRFA / ICP via smart app or counter
• Pay all accumulated fines (AED 50/day × days overstayed)
• Receive departure permit (Exit Permit)
• Depart UAE within stated timeframe (typically 1-7 days)
• Re-entry ban: typically 1-2 years for short overstays; 5+ years for long
PATH C — Visa Amnesty Programme (when active)
• UAE periodically announces visa amnesty windows (typically 3-6 month windows)
• During amnesty: fines waived; departure without ban
• Last major amnesty: 2018 + 2020 + 2024 (verify current)
• Check current amnesty status on official channels
PATH D — Regularisation via New Sponsor (Employment / Family)
• If employer offer secured: new sponsor files residence visa application
• Old overstay fines must be paid first
• Possible IF compelling circumstances (top-skilled worker, family of UAE national)
State recommended path with one-sentence rationale.
§2 — PAY FINES + EXTEND PROCESS
A. Approach GDRFA Dubai smart app / ICP UAE app OR counter
B. Calculate fines:
• Days overstayed × AED 50
• Plus visa-issuance fees if new visa needed
C. Documents:
• Passport biographical page
• Current expired visa (sticker / e-Visa)
• Photographs
• Sponsor's documents if sponsored
D. Pay fines + extension fee
E. Receive new visa OR Exit Permit (depending on path)
§3 — PAY FINES + DEPART PROCESS
A. Approach GDRFA Dubai / ICP application centre
B. Documents as above
C. Statement of departure intent
D. Pay fines (total AED 50/day × overstay days)
E. Receive Exit Permit (typically valid 7-15 days)
F. Depart UAE within Exit Permit validity
G. At departure: GDRFA officer confirms departure; record updated
§4 — STATEMENT / EXPLANATION
§4.1 — Acknowledgment (40-60 words)
"I, [CLIENT_NAME], acknowledge that I have overstayed my [PRIOR_VISA] which expired on [VISA_EXPIRY_DATE]. Today is [CURRENT_DATE]. I respectfully request [GDRFA / ICP] to permit regularisation / departure for the reasons set forth below."
§4.2 — Reason for overstay (60-100 words)
• Active voice ("I failed to extend"; "I forgot")
• Use [REASON_FOR_OVERSTAY] verbatim
• Specific dates
• Documentary evidence
§4.3 — Compelling factors (60-100 words)
• Use [COMPELLING_FACTORS] verbatim
• UAE-citizen / resident family
• Medical condition
• Long residence
• Pending visa applications
§4.4 — Future intent (30-50 words)
• Departure plan (date, flight)
• OR new sponsor / Golden Visa application
§5 — RE-ENTRY BANS
Ban consequences vary by overstay duration + category:
• < 30 days post-grace: typically 1-year ban (lighter cases)
• 30 days - 6 months: 1-3 year ban
• 6 months - 1 year: 5 year ban
• Multiple overstays: cumulative; permanent ban possible
• Some bans waivable (good faith departure during amnesty; spouse of UAE national; etc.)
Ban search:
• Pre-departure: check via GDRFA / ICP smart app
• Pre-application for new visa: ban check via Tasheel typing centre
§6 — IF UNAUTHORISED WORK DURING OVERSTAY
If No is "Yes":
• SEPARATE OFFENCE under Federal Law: working without permit = fines + imprisonment + deportation
• Employer faces fines under MoHRE labour law (AED 100,000+ for hiring illegal workers)
• Disclosure to GDRFA / ICP recommended
• Compounds the overstay charge
§7 — IF VISA AMNESTY IS ACTIVE
If UAE has declared a current amnesty:
• Verify on official channels (GDRFA Dubai, ICP UAE press releases)
• During amnesty:
— Fines waived for departure
— Possible regularisation without ban
— Some visas issued during amnesty (e.g. job-search for those who can prove skills)
• Amnesty windows are limited (3-6 months); act promptly
§8 — POST-DECISION ACTIONS
For pay-fines-and-depart:
• Receive Exit Permit
• Depart UAE within Exit Permit validity
• Carry departure stamps
• Plan re-entry after ban period
For regularisation:
• New visa issued
• Update Emirates ID + bank + landlord + employer
• Continue lawful residence
§9 — IRON RULES
• UAE fines accumulate fast — every day after grace costs AED 50
• Voluntary departure within first month is materially better than long overstay
• Amnesty programmes are time-limited — act when available
• Concealment of unauthorised work compounds the offence
• Engage UAE PRO / immigration consultancy early
• Multiple overstays compound consequences
End with: "DRAFT overstayer recovery package — for UAE-licensed PRO / immigration law firm review. Verify current overstay fines + grace period rules at GDRFA Dubai + ICP. Check if amnesty is currently active. For short overstays, paying fines + departing is the cleanest path; for long overstays with UAE family ties: engage immigration counsel for representations. Re-entry bans affect future UAE visa applications + may affect other GCC country visas."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt