The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

As many as 5 categories of visa holders are allowed to stay in the UAE for a period of 6 months after the expiration of their visa, or its cancellation, according to the updated visa system announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationalisation, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

The 5 categories include holders of golden visa and their family members, holders of green visa and their family members, the widow or divorcee of a foreigner residing in the country, students whose studies ended and who are sponsored by a university or college in the country, and residents who have skilled professions of the first and second levels of the classification of the Ministry of Human resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

ICP added that two categories are allowed to stay in the UAE for 3 months, including residents who have skilled professions of the third level, and property owners who have sponsorship on one of the properties.

It said it modified the period of stay in the UAE for visa holders who have a guarantor or host, to 60 days instead of 30. This category includes: residents, domestic workers, family members, and other visa holders who have a guarantor or host.

Category of visa holders of countries suffering from disasters and wars, foreign retiree category, virtual employers category, and the investor or partner are allowed to remain in the country for 30 days after the expiration or cancellation of their visa.

ICP invited everyone to take advantage of the new benefits, by accessing its website and the smart application, to learn about these benefits and apply for them, or to go to one of the customer happiness centres around the UAE.