**VISA OVERSTAY**
- ambitiouswomenllc
- Apr 23, 2019
- 2 min read
Have you ever overstayed in a country? I HAVE and it was the most scariest feeling in the world. When I was working in Dubai I didn’t know I only had 90 days in the country. I was informed by another collage that my Visa stamp expired and I needed to go to immigration immediately. I was a newbie at working overseas so I had NO CLUE what she was talking about!!! Needless to say I went down to the local immigration office to get a extension on my stay. I was in for a rude awakening!!!! Each day you stayed over your visa you had a pay a fine per day. I was over a good 20 days. I courageously walked into the immigration office and ask what I was suppose to do about a Visa overstay. They told me to go up stairs and wait outside of the Immigration officer office. I went upstairs sat outside the office a good 45 minutes. I was told to come in and I stood in front of this very intimidating man sitting behind a desk. He had no smile on his face and ask “What do you want” “Hand me your passport.” My hands were literally shaking as I handed him the passport. He then said “What are you still doing in MY COUNTRY.” I was so nervous I thought he was going to detain me or kick me out the country immediately!!! I took a deep breathe and smiled and said “I’m here working, sir.” He looked at me and said, ” Nice Smile and Nice passport pic” . HA! I definitely wasn’t expecting that reaction. He then informed me the process of where to pay for the fines and how to get a stamp. I then started to breathe again and poltitley said Thank You and left his office.Thank God the company paid the fines of over $300usd. When your in someone else’s country ALWAYS make sure to KNOW the immigration laws for yourself. I’ve heard worst stories then mine. Every since then I always check travel.state.gov to find out what’s all needed at immigration. LEARN from my experience and SAFE TRAVELS!!!
Ps. Immigration laws can change daily in some countries so make sure to check their local immigration office website for the process or stop by and ask questions depending on how long you plan to stay.
Comments