A service introduced earlier this year allowed hundreds of UAE residents whose visas were cancelled after they spent more than six months abroad are set to return to the nation.

In January, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) introduced a re-entry permit for such residents. Residents who had been gone from the UAE for more than six months in the past were required to apply for a visit visa in order to return. Except for Dubai, residents of all emirates may submit applications for the service via the ICP website.

Those with visas issued by Dubai, however, go through a slightly different process. Applicants can complete the process online by choosing the appropriate option on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website of Dubai (GDRFA). They must provide a letter outlining their reasons for remaining abroad. Residents must use an agent instead of applying directly.

The sponsor may submit an application for the permission at any Amer Center, according to a GDRFA contact center representative. Residents of the other emirates can access the service on the ICP website.
They must choose Issue permit for remaining outside UAE beyond 6 months' under' Smart services'. They will have to give justification for their prolonged departure from the nation as well as possible supporting documentation.

According to the ICP, the following conditions must be met:

• The application needs to come from outside the country.
• The applicant may submit a permit application after 180 days of exile.
• The applicant must enter the country within 30 days of the application's approval.
• Valid reason must be given to leave the country for longer than 180 days.
• For every 30 days or less spent abroad, a Dh100 fee will be assessed.