Dubai, UAE — The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website, icp.gov.ae, is currently undergoing maintenance, leaving applicants for UAE visas and Emirates ID services temporarily unable to process their requests. This unexpected outage has sparked concern, particularly during the final stretch of the visa amnesty period, which concludes on December 31, 2024.
Official Notification and User Updates
Upon visiting the ICP’s official portal, users are greeted with a maintenance notice stating:
“Our site is temporarily under maintenance. We have got some new updates special for you, and we can’t wait for you to use them. Please be aware that our site is temporarily under maintenance to reflect the new updates and will be back very soon.”
The website has not provided a specific timeframe for the resumption of services, leaving applicants and document processing agencies in uncertainty. A “Notify Me After the Maintenance” option is available, allowing users to sign up for updates once the site becomes operational again.
Critical Timing During UAE Visa Amnesty
The maintenance comes at a particularly sensitive time. With the visa amnesty program nearing its deadline, thousands of individuals are seeking to regularise their residency status. The amnesty, which runs until December 31, 2024, offers individuals who have overstayed or are living irregularly in the UAE a chance to resolve their legal status without facing hefty fines or potential entry bans.
Documents clearing and typing centres across the UAE have reported a significant backlog due to the website’s inaccessibility. A representative from Harf Typing and Documents Clearing expressed their concern:
“We are witnessing high demand for visa processing and Emirates ID applications during this amnesty period. Unfortunately, with the ICP website under maintenance, many pending cases remain unresolved, which adds pressure to the limited time left for applicants.”
Impact on Applicants and Agencies
The temporary unavailability of the ICP portal has halted the submission and verification of essential documents required for visa renewals, residency status changes, and Emirates ID issuance. Document processing companies, which rely heavily on the ICP system, are urging applicants to remain patient while also preparing for an influx of submissions once the website resumes service.
One applicant, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their frustration:
“I have been trying to renew my visa under the amnesty program, but I couldn’t proceed. I’m now worried about missing the deadline if the system does not come back online soon.”
Industry Experts Call for Contingency Measures
Industry professionals are encouraging the implementation of contingency plans to address disruptions during such critical periods. Suggestions include temporarily allowing alternative channels for urgent submissions or extending the amnesty deadline should the maintenance persist.
An immigration expert noted:
“It’s essential that technical updates, while necessary, are carried out with minimal disruption during significant periods like the visa amnesty. A clear timeframe for restoration would ease concerns for individuals and businesses alike.”
Awaiting Updates and Next Steps
While the ICP has not confirmed a specific date for the website’s return, stakeholders remain optimistic that the updates will enhance service efficiency once implemented. Applicants are encouraged to utilise the “Notify Me” feature on the website to receive real-time alerts and updates.
In the meantime, visa holders, overstayers, and residency applicants are advised to prepare all necessary documentation and maintain regular contact with trusted typing centres and authorised agents to ensure a smooth process once the ICP website is back online.
