Experts explain how sanctions are being imposed on tourists and the penalties if tourists are overstaying in the country beyond visa validity.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always been a popular tourist destination, attracting millions worldwide each year. However, some travellers now face legal consequences for overstaying their visit visas, as travel agencies and tour operators in the UAE have started filing absconding cases against these individuals. Some agents say overstayers could be ‘blacklisted’ and banned from entering the UAE or any GCC country if they do not exit ‘more than five days’ after their visas’ expiry.

Read More: UAE Visit Visa Overstaying: Consequences, Absconding Ban and Deportation

One circular from a travel agency that is being shared online reads: “Attention to all tourist visa holders! With immediate effect, an overstay of even one day will be absconded without any notice…Extend your visa or exit the country.”

Another circular from the agent states, “Final reminder for visitors staying with expired visas: The absconding ban has been started and whoever is overstaying more than 5 days will be blacklisted and will not be allowed to enter the UAE or any GCC country. Make necessary arrangements and leave the country before it’s [too] late.”

“Any visitor travelling to the UAE on a visit visa of 30 days or 60 days is under our sponsorship. We get into trouble and incur losses if the visitor overstays his visa term. We are reporting absconding for our safety.The fine for overstay is applied on us if a visitor overstays, and we retrieve the fine amount from the visitor.”

Libin Varghese, operational director of Rooh Tourism

Why are Agencies suddenly filing cases for tourists overstaying their UAE visit visas?

Agencies have to bear the fees

In case a visitor overstays, the Sponsor, i.e. the travel agencies, must bear the brunt of fines and fees. The agencies, not being in fault, cannot bear such heavy fines. Hence they pass it on to the travellers.

Application Portals Blocked

In some cases, the UAE Embassy can block the agents’ portal, not allowing them to issue any further UAE visas, which can land the agency in a lot of trouble because new businesses cannot come in, and there is no control over the existing business as well. It also means that already filed applications in process also get stuck.

“Earlier, the overstay fines were less than the present charges. A person overstaying should also get an outpass to exit the country along with the fines, which become a huge burden on us, and we have given the option to charge them with absconding,”

added Varghese.

What are the fines associated with overstaying the UAE Visa?

The minimum absconding penalty that must be paid is Dh2,000, which increases daily.

“Many visitors are unaware of their visa validity status and overstay a few days. They learn about the absconding status only when they reach the airport. That may also be subjected to deportation. We request every visitor to constantly be in touch with their sponsor to avoid the trouble.

Robin Pathrose, sales manager at Kingsland Travels.

Background checks conducted

Some travel agencies conduct background checks before issuing the visa to verify that the passenger is genuine and is travelling to return to the host country. As the sponsor of the visa, it’s their responsibility that the traveller returns. Many visitors do not take calls who come to stay in the UAE without a visa.

“We understand that a few of them do not plan to return soon, which puts us under the radar and can be a problem for our business. So we do a thorough background check of the applicant before accepting his visa request,”

Taha Siddique, owner of Galaxy Travel

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