United Arab Emirates: New Grace Period, Relaxed In-Country Residency Rules for UAE Blue Residency Visa Holders and Others

UAE Blue Residency visa holders are now eligible for a 180-day grace period after their visa expires or is cancelled, allowing them to regularize their immigration status or exit the country without penalty. Previously, there was no such provision for Blue Residency visas in the regulations. Separately, Blue Residency visa holders (a visa category introduced in May 2024) and foreign spouses of UAE nationals holding residence permits can now remain outside the United Arab Emirates indefinitely without losing their residency status. Previously, their residency status would be cancelled if they remained outside the United Arab Emirates for a single period of 180 or more consecutive days.