United Arab Emirates: New Grace Period, Relaxed In-Country Residency Rules for UAE Blue Residency Visa Holders and Others
March 14, 2025

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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 āWoman of Influenceā by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomenās upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsāavailable mid-Julyāit provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the regionās dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canadaās Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigrationās role in closing talent gaps.

Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EUās new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Blog post
Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 āWoman of Influenceā by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomenās upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsāavailable mid-Julyāit provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the regionās dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canadaās Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigrationās role in closing talent gaps.

Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EUās new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Blog post
Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.