As an expat in the UAE, one of your key responsibilities should be keeping yourself updated with any fine related to your Emirates ID. Regularly checking for fines can help you avoid complications, especially with the growing presence of online scams.
Emirates ID fines can lead to unexpected legal issues, financial penalties, or even trouble when renewing your residency if not paid on time.
With over 88% of the expatriate population, the UAE government continuously works to ensure a smooth experience for everyone working and living in the UAE. As an expat, you should have a clear understanding of the local laws and maintain proper documentation.
To easily stay aware of your fines and avoid unnecessary stress, read the following guide.
Emirates ID Fine Check through GDRFA Website
Many people have been scammed by fraudsters who misuse their Emirates ID information to apply for loans, open SIM cards, and commit other fraudulent activities. These lead to serious consequences for the card holder which often results in unexpected fines and or legal issues.
To check if there are any fines associated with your Emirates ID, follow these simple steps:
Visit the UAE government’s official website, GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
Search for the “Fines Inquiry Service” on the homepage.
Among the available options, choose “Emirates ID”.
Enter your Emirates ID number in the required field.
Select your date of birth. It should be the same as written on your ID.
Select your gender whether Male, or Female.
Tick the box to complete the ‘I am not a robot’ reCaptcha.
Click on the Submit button.
The screen will display either ‘No fines have been found on your file number,’ or if you have any fines, it will show you the exact amount you need to pay.
Types of Emirates ID Fines
There are multiple types of violations that could lead to fines on your Emirates ID. Let’s discuss each one in the details below.
Residency and Foreign Affairs Fines
According to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) a fixed fine of 500/- AED will be imposed if:
Unrelated Transactions: A company’s representative submits transactions on behalf of a person who is not part of the company.
Incorrect Data in e-Dirham: A company’s representative enters incorrect information or processes transactions for individuals not associated with the company through the e-dirham channel.
No Card During Submission: A company’s representative doesn’t have his valid ID card with him when processing transactions.
Service Centre Violations: An individual not following the government protocols in the service centres area.
Non-compliance with ICP Pledge: A company’s representative or an individual fails to fulfil commitments made to the ICP.
Emirates ID Renewal Fines
Late Renewal/Registration: If the cardholder fails to renew their ID card within 30 days of its expiry, they will be charged 20/- AED per day until they renew their ID card. This can reach up to a maximum amount of 1000/- AED.
Mistakes and False Information Penalties: If a person makes a mistake while printing a form or submitting his details, he will be fined 100/- AED. However, if he intentionally provides false details, he may be charged with a fine of 3000/- AED.
Issuing Visas for Fake Companies: If a company that doesn’t exist but tries to issue visas will be charged with a hefty fine of 2000/- AED. It’s like pretending to own a shop that does not exist and then trying to get people to work there, which is a big problem.
Lost or Stolen Card: If you have lost your card or it was stolen, you will have to pay 300/- AED along with a service fee of 70/- AED if you apply through a typing centre or 40/- AED if applying through the ICP website. You can download a digital version of your Emirates ID online meanwhile.
Emirates ID fine exemptions
Residents and Emiratis both are exempt from paying the fines on their Emirates ID incase of the following reasons:
Outside the UAE for 3+ Months: If your Emirates ID expired while you were outside the UAE for over three months.
Deported or Passport Seized: If your ID expired after being deported or if your passport is held due to a legal case, with proof from authorities.
Before UAE Citizenship: If you didn’t get an ID before gaining UAE nationality and receiving your family book.
Medical Condition: If you’re bed-ridden, have a contagious disease, or are disabled, with proof from a medical certificate.
Diplomatic Staff: If you are a diplomat, you and your family are exempt from late fines.
Elderly (70+): If you’re 70 or older and can’t visit service centres, with proof of age.
Under Social Security: If you are an Emirati under social security, your dependents can get an exemption with proof of financial status.
Computer Errors: If the delay was caused by a technical issue.
How to Pay Your Emirates ID Fines
You can pay the fines linked to your ID either online through the official website, or visit any nearest customer happiness centre physically.
Paying Fines through the ICP’s Customer Happiness Centre
The easiest and simplest way is to pay your fine through any nearest customer happiness centre. Below is the step by step guide.
Visit any nearest ICP’s Customer Happiness Centre.
Get the automatic ticket from the machine for your turn.
Keep your Emirates ID and other related documents associated with your fine violations.
Wait for your turn. Then, head over to the customer happiness centre executive.
Handover your Emirates ID and other required documents if needed to the staff.
The customer support executive will check and confirm your fines linked with the Emirates ID.
Pay the amount.
You will receive the payment receipt, and the violation will be removed from your Emirates ID in the next 48 hours.
Paying Fines through the Government GDRFA Website
If you want to pay the fine personally online. Follow the steps below:
Visit the official GDRFA website.
Select the “Browse More Services” section on the homepage.
Click on “Violator Follow Up”.
Look for the “Fine Collection” and click on it.
Select the “Fine Collection for Violators of Residency Law”.
Click on “Start Service”.
Enter your user name and password if you are already registered. If not, select the “Register Now” option or click “Log in with the UAE Pass” if you already have the app on your mobile phone.
Fill the form along with the details.
Attach the required documents.
Pay the fee through Debit/Credit Card.
Submit the application.
Your payment will be processed, and the fine will be removed from your ID within 48 hours.
Consequences of Not Paying Fines
If you fail to pay the unpaid fines on time, you may face the following consequences by the UAE government.
Travel Restrictions
You may not be allowed to leave the country in some cases, unless you pay the full amount. If you are out of the country and land in the UAE, you will be asked to pay your fines before the immigration.
Additional Fines or Penalties
You will be charged with additional fines or penalties in case of not paying the amount in due time.
Legal Implications
You will not be able to renew your visa unless you clear your fine dues. It may cause delays in your visa renewal which may further increase problems.
FAQs
You can remove fines on your Emirates ID by paying it either online or one of the customer happiness centres.
To check fines on your Emirates ID, visit the GDRFA website, go to the “Fines Inquiry Service,” select “Emirates ID,” enter your Emirates ID number, date of birth, and complete the captcha. Submit to view any fines linked to your ID.
You will need to pay 20/- AED per day unless you renew it. Also, read more about overstay fine in the UAE to have better understanding about fines in the UAE.
Most of the people searching online to find out whether they have a fine on their Emirates ID land on different sites with false information. I have personally observed that most of these sites gather unrelated content, which does not add value to the readers. And that’s the reason why I first personally tried each and everything shared in this article, and only after my experience with it, I shared.
So, by following these simple steps and keeping your Emirates ID fine-free, you’ll avoid legal and financial problems and make sure that your life in the UAE remains smooth and worry-free.
I have lived in the UAE for the last five years, and on Calculate Dubai, I share helpful solutions and my personal experiences to make it easier for people to find reliable information.
