A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
With the much-anticipated grace period for undocumented UAE residents about to begin on September 1, the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi has offered all possible assistance to Indian residents.
During this grace period, UAE residents who have been living in the country without valid visas will have the opportunity to either leave the country or regularise their stay without incurring any penalties, including fines.
In a statement, the mission said that Indian citizens can approach BLS Centres in Al Reem, Musaffah, and Al Ain to apply for travel documents. They can walk into the centres without needing a prior appointment. BLS International Services is an agency commissioned by the Indian embassy to process applications for passports, visas, and other documentation. BLS Centres function as processing centres for paperwork related to the Indian embassy in the UAE.
The embassy stated that Emergency Certificates (EC) will be issued to applicants who wish to return to India. "Applicants will have the option to collect the ECs from the Consular Office, Embassy of India Abu Dhabi (101, 102, 1st Floor, Guardian Tower, Al Saadah Zone I) between 4pm and 6pm within 24 hours of their application submission," the statement said.
ECs are temporary travel documents issued by Indian embassies or consulates to Indian citizens who have lost their passports or require urgent travel.
Applicants who wish to regularise their residency status may apply for short-validity passports at the BLS Centres, the statement added.
The BLS Centres will remain open on all Sundays during the grace period to assist those taking advantage of the amnesty scheme.