People seeking the UAE amnesty exit pass — including overstayers and those with expired visit visas — are being advised to wait until they receive their exit pass before purchasing flight tickets. The warning came directly from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), which urged affected individuals not to book travel before the pass is in hand.
Why the Exit Pass Must Come First
The reason is straightforward: obtaining a UAE amnesty exit pass requires mandatory biometric data capture, a process that can take up to 48 hours to complete. Applicants who arrive at the Al Awir Centre in Dubai with pre-booked flights risk missing their departures — and having to rebook entirely at their own expense.
Major General Salah Al Qamzi of the GDRFA stressed that securing the exit pass should be the absolute first priority. He confirmed that several amnesty seekers had already arrived at Al Awir Centre with tickets in hand, only to be told they needed to change their flights after learning their passes had not yet been processed.
What the Exit Pass Covers
Once issued, the UAE amnesty exit pass is valid for 14 days. During that window, holders can either complete their departure from the country or use the time to find a job and regularize their immigration status legally.
For those with expired residency visas, the process tends to move faster. Their biometric data is already stored in the GDRFA system, reducing the time needed to verify their identity and issue the pass.
Amnesty Programme Details
The UAE visa amnesty programme kicked off on September 1, 2024, giving overstayers the opportunity to resolve their status without facing the full weight of accumulated fines. The penalty for overstaying in the UAE stands at AED 50 (approximately USD 13.60) per day for both visitors and residents.
The second day of the programme saw a major turnout at Al Awir Centre, with organizations setting up recruitment stands to offer jobs directly to amnesty applicants. GDRFA officials clarified that those who secure employment in Dubai can address all visa-related matters in that emirate — even if their original visa was issued in another emirate.
Where to Apply
As a general rule, applicants are advised to apply in the emirate where their visa was originally issued. However, exceptions exist: those who have found employment in Dubai may process their applications there regardless of where their visa originated.
The amnesty programme offers a genuine opportunity for those in an irregular immigration status to either exit the country cleanly — with fines waived — or transition into legal residency through employment.
