Visa amnesty programme launched in UAE
The UAE’s visa amnesty programme, which starts on Sunday, September 1, is an opportunity for those who are in the country illegally to regularise their residency status or leave the country without paying fines. The amnesty programme will run for two months, from September 1 to October 30, 2024.
The Federal Office of Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said there will be no visa overstay fines or exit fees during the amnesty period. A total of 5 fees and fines will be cancelled, including an administrative one for illegal stay in the country.
In addition, those who choose to leave the UAE will not be subject to an entry ban and will be able to return to the Emirates at any time legally.
The amnesty programme applies to all types of visas, including tourist and expired visas. Children born undocumented are also covered by the amnesty programme. Those who could not find a job in time or who lost their job can also apply for legalisation of residence status. However, it is worth noting that those who entered the country illegally are not eligible to apply for amnesty.
Each emirate has its own centres that will 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.
All the service centres will be open from 7am to 10pm and enrolment for biometric fingerprinting will be conducted there. Amnesty applications can also be submitted at ICP centres across the UAE.
Applications are also available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants can apply through ICP’s electronic channels and approved enrolment centres, without the need to visit service centres, unless they are asked to appear for fingerprinting.
If the applicant wishes to leave the UAE, the exit authorisation will only be valid for 14 days after the procedure. All fines and restrictions will be imposed automatically if the exit is not done within the 14-day grace period.
Source: Khaleej Times
