ICP Reduces Passport Validity Period To One Month For Status Amendments During Grace Period

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has revised the passport validity requirement for status amendment requests. Previously, a six-month validity was needed, but during the grace period starting September 1st and ending October 31st, 2024, only one month is required. This change aims to simplify the process for violators seeking to amend their status.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, highlighted that this adjustment benefits residency and visa violators, foreign-born children in the UAE, and those on administrative lists. The new rule allows these individuals to amend their status without renewing passports if they have less than six months' validity. This decision addresses the lengthy passport renewal process through embassies.

The grace period offers exemptions from fines to encourage violators to rectify their status. Major General Al Khaili emphasized that this decision adds another advantage by reducing the passport validity requirement. The aim is to provide an exceptional opportunity for individuals to amend their situation without unnecessary hurdles.

During this grace period, violators can either leave the country without an entry ban or secure employment and stay in the UAE. The reduced passport validity condition applies exclusively within this timeframe, facilitating smoother transitions for those affected.

Major General Al Khaili stated that this decision reflects the Authority’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by beneficiaries of the grace period. The Authority actively engages with targeted beneficiaries to understand their needs and develop effective solutions within legal boundaries.

The ICP encourages violators to reach out via its call centre with questions or concerns. By doing so, they can help identify challenges for further study and resolution by the Authority's team.

This initiative underscores the Authority's dedication to improving processes for individuals seeking status amendments during this limited-time opportunity.

With inputs from WAM