UAE authorities extend visa amnesty programme

In the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announced the extension of the visa amnesty programme for another two months, until 31 December 2024.

The programme was due to end on October 31, with thousands of foreigners who overstayed their resident visas taking advantage of the opportunity to change visa status without penalty or leave the country.

The decision to extend the amnesty programme was taken to mark the UAE’s National Day and reflects the country’s humanitarian values, the authority said. Participants in the programme will be given more time to regularise their status.

However, those who continue to violate the rules after the extension of the programme will be charged fines. Thus, the department will conduct inspection campaigns, and visa violators will be deported and blacklisted.

On the eve of the immigration authorities of the United Arab Emirates warned employers against hiring persons who overstayed resident visas and did not update their visa status before the end of the visa amnesty programme.

The statement was issued by the Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and International Relations in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai).

From 1 November, the statement said, inspections of businesses in the UAE will begin, with fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million being imposed on those hiring visa violators.

Source: Khaleej Times