KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Starting September 1, 2024, the UAE has introduced a two-month visa amnesty period, offering a chance for overstayers to rectify their legal status without facing fines or re-entry bans.
This initiative, managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), runs until October 30, 2024, and is intended to give a lifeline for those stuck in immigration limbo.
The previous amnesty period introduced in 2018 saw more than 105,000 people benefit, with 30,387 receiving exit permits after fines were waived, while 6,288 people received new residency visas and 18,530 people renewed their visas.
Who is Covered?
The amnesty applies to those who have overstayed their visit or residency visas. People mentioned in administrative reports due to visa or residency issues. Absconded workers who have left their jobs without proper exit procedures, and minors whose residency status has not been regularised by their guardians.
However, the amnesty does not cover individuals who violate visa or residency regulations after September 1, 2024. The same goes for who abscond from work or violate visa regulations after September 1, 2024. Moreover, individuals under deportation orders from the UAE or any GCC country and those who entered the UAE illegally are also not covered.
How to Apply?
Applications can be submitted at designated centres around the UAE with an option to either exit or regularise their visa and stay in the country. For those who obtain an exit permit, they will have 14 days to exit the country before their fines are reinstated. In Dubai people can apply at Amer centres or the GDRFA centre in Al Awir while in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates this can be done at ICP centres.