Who Pays the Fine If a UAE Visa Isn’t Processed in Time — the Employee or Employer?

According to UAE law, a visitor must leave the country once their visit visa expires unless a valid residency permit has been issued. In cases where an employer fails to process the employee’s residency visa on time, the responsibility generally lies with the employer — especially if there’s a formal offer letter or employment contract proving the company’s commitment. However, to regularise your status and seek a waiver or reduction of overstay fines, you should immediately contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), providing proof that the delay was not your fault. Do you think stricter penalties should apply to employers who delay workers’ visa processing?

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