TaxSavvyAE

Visa renewals blocked by an expired licence

My staff visas are due but the system says my establishment card is blocked. Why?

The situation

Visas sponsored by a company depend on a valid licence and establishment card. When either expires, immigration services for that company stop.

The law

  • Federal immigration rules administered by ICP and GDRFA: Company sponsorship needs a valid establishment card
  • Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021: Employer remains responsible for staff during the contract

What it means for you

Renew the licence first, then the establishment card, then process visa renewals. Delays can lead to overstay fines for staff. Example: a company with three visas expiring next month should renew its licence now to leave time for the card and medicals.

What to do

  1. Renew the trade licence.
  2. Renew the establishment card with ICP or GDRFA.
  3. Restart visa renewals for staff.
  4. Keep WPS salary payments running meanwhile.

We can do this for youTrade licence renewal for mainland and free zone companies: Ejari, UBO, audit and tax checks before renewal: AED 1,200

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