In a significant humanitarian move, the United Arab Emirates has eased visa and residency renewal procedures for Sudanese nationals residing in the country, offering support to a population displaced by civil conflict back home.
Humanitarian Relief Amid Ongoing War
The UAE has announced that Sudanese nationals currently in violation of residency laws will now be permitted to apply for new visas, renew residency permits, and obtain Emirates IDs, even if their passports are valid for less than six months. This step, announced in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), underscores the UAE’s humanitarian stance amid the devastating conflict in Sudan.
The new policy officially came into effect on May 19, 2025, and will remain valid until the end of the year.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which issued the announcement, explained that the exceptional measure is designed to ease the regularisation process for Sudanese residents affected by the war. The ICP told Khaleej Times on Saturday that Sudanese nationals “can renew their residency permits and obtain identity cards using passports with a validity of less than six months.”
Those facing accumulated fines can also benefit from the policy change. The ICP confirmed that individuals can now apply for new or renewed documents through the ICP’s official digital platforms, and that the procedures would be streamlined and flexible, with all fines waived.
Continued Support for the Sudanese People
The UAE has taken several steps over the past year to support Sudanese nationals fleeing violence and political instability. This latest announcement is not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, UAE authorities declared that Sudanese expats in the country would be exempt from all fines related to residence and entry permits, with the exemption starting on May 19, 2025.
The UAE has repeatedly reaffirmed its “firm stance in favour of Sudan’s people and their right to civilian governance,” stressing that it does not support or contribute to the killing or displacement of civilians.
The move comes amid reports that the war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate the country. The conflict began due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), derailing a planned transition to civilian rule.
The humanitarian toll is staggering. According to the United Nations, nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population—more than 30 million people, will require humanitarian aid in 2024.
Diplomatic Strains Amid Regional Mediation
Despite the UAE’s peace-building efforts, relations between Abu Dhabi and Sudan’s ruling military faction have deteriorated. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have accused the UAE of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs, a claim the UAE has strongly denied.
Earlier this year, the SAF severed diplomatic ties with the UAE. However, the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed the SAF’s “fabricated accusations” against the Emirates.
As the war drags on, the UAE’s recent visa policy adjustment stands as both a diplomatic statement and a humanitarian gesture, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to aiding civilians caught in conflict zones.
Applying for Visa Renewal
Sudanese nationals in the UAE can take advantage of the new measures by:
Humanitarian Relief Amid Ongoing War
The UAE has announced that Sudanese nationals currently in violation of residency laws will now be permitted to apply for new visas, renew residency permits, and obtain Emirates IDs, even if their passports are valid for less than six months. This step, announced in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), underscores the UAE’s humanitarian stance amid the devastating conflict in Sudan.
The new policy officially came into effect on May 19, 2025, and will remain valid until the end of the year.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which issued the announcement, explained that the exceptional measure is designed to ease the regularisation process for Sudanese residents affected by the war. The ICP told Khaleej Times on Saturday that Sudanese nationals “can renew their residency permits and obtain identity cards using passports with a validity of less than six months.”
Those facing accumulated fines can also benefit from the policy change. The ICP confirmed that individuals can now apply for new or renewed documents through the ICP’s official digital platforms, and that the procedures would be streamlined and flexible, with all fines waived.
Continued Support for the Sudanese People
The UAE has taken several steps over the past year to support Sudanese nationals fleeing violence and political instability. This latest announcement is not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, UAE authorities declared that Sudanese expats in the country would be exempt from all fines related to residence and entry permits, with the exemption starting on May 19, 2025.
The UAE has repeatedly reaffirmed its “firm stance in favour of Sudan’s people and their right to civilian governance,” stressing that it does not support or contribute to the killing or displacement of civilians.
The move comes amid reports that the war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate the country. The conflict began due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), derailing a planned transition to civilian rule.
The humanitarian toll is staggering. According to the United Nations, nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population—more than 30 million people, will require humanitarian aid in 2024.
Diplomatic Strains Amid Regional Mediation
Despite the UAE’s peace-building efforts, relations between Abu Dhabi and Sudan’s ruling military faction have deteriorated. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have accused the UAE of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs, a claim the UAE has strongly denied.
Earlier this year, the SAF severed diplomatic ties with the UAE. However, the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed the SAF’s “fabricated accusations” against the Emirates.
As the war drags on, the UAE’s recent visa policy adjustment stands as both a diplomatic statement and a humanitarian gesture, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to aiding civilians caught in conflict zones.
Applying for Visa Renewal
Sudanese nationals in the UAE can take advantage of the new measures by:
- Using the ICP’s official digital platforms, the ICP website or use the ICP UAE Smart app to apply for visa renewals, Emirates ID issuance, or new documents
- Proceeding with applications even if passport validity is under six months
- Benefiting from waived fines and simplified, flexible procedures
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