In the UAE, who pays the fine if a residency visa is not processed in time — the employee or the employer?

Under UAE entry and residence laws, the individual is primarily responsible for not overstaying after a visit visa expires, even if a company promised to process a residency visa, and authorities may impose a daily overstay fine; however, if the delay happened due to the employer’s failure after issuing an offer letter, the employee can approach ICP or GDRFA with proof such as the offer letter and correspondence to request a fine reduction or waiver, as authorities have discretion in genuine cases — what do you think, should employers be held automatically liable when visa processing delays are clearly their fault?

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