88 per cent of migration offenders choose to stay in UAE
Almost 90 per cent of migration offenders who became participants in the visa amnesty have expressed a desire to stay in the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said.
The amnesty started on 1 September 2024, with migration services in Dubai alone accepting more than 20,000 applications from foreigners who overstayed their visas. At the same time, only 12 per cent of them wanted to leave the UAE without paying fines. Participants in the amnesty programme who regularise their status will be able to live and work legally in the UAE and will not be subject to any administrative sanctions.
Violators can obtain a new entry permit, extend resident visas or obtain new ones, as well as change the status of their existing visa and issue documents for children born in the UAE. The amnesty programme will run until 30 October 2024, during which time there will be no visa overstay fines or exit fees. A total of 5 fees and fines have been cancelled, including an administrative one for illegal stay in the country.
The amnesty programme applies to all types of visas, including tourist and expired visas. Those who could not find a job in time or lost their job can apply to legalise their residence status. However, those who entered the country illegally are not eligible to apply for amnesty.
Each emirate has its own centres that accept documents for the visa amnesty programme. In Dubai, all Amer centres as well as the General Directorate of Residents and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) centre provide such services. In Abu Dhabi, ICP centres are located at Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa and Al Shahama.
Applications are also available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the applicant wishes to leave the UAE, the exit permit will only be valid for 14 days after approval. All fines and restrictions will be imposed automatically if the exit is not made within the 14-day grace period.
Source: Khaleej Times
