ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday has extended the grace period for residents whose visas have expired.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) issued a decision to extend the period of exemption for being fined for "all violators of the entry and residence of foreigners law" until Dec. 31, 2020, the state news agency WAM said in a statement.

The extension is for those who violated law before March 1 and will be exempted from all fines, including National ID cards, provided they leave the country.

Major General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, director-general of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at ICA, said the grace period extension is to enable violators to adjust their status in the country before the end of the year.

The deadline was previously extended in August this year. — SG