UAE Extends Visa Amnesty Program with Three Key Changes for Illegal Residents

Currently, the UAE residents have an opportunity to escape fines until the end of the moratorium in March 2022 due to the special Visa Amnesty for overstaying that started on September 1. Since the amnesty program will end and the 31st of October the authorities have added 3 new rules, which makes the process easier for those seeking amnesty.

1. First of All, the pass gives the amnesty recipient only fourteen days to exit from the UAE after getting the pass. This period has now been extended till October 31st in parallel with the amnesty program’s deadline. This led to more time left for the violators to organize their evacuation without fines.

2. Less Stringent Passport Validity Regulation Whereas before, a passport must have at least six months validity to qualify for amnesty. This has now been lowered to one month which means many more people can apply without having to renew their passports for the emergency form. It assists the persons who experience some difficulties with receiving the renewed passports through the embassies.

3. Abu Dhabi End of Fines Those who decided to stay in the Emirates and apply for amnesty in Abu Dhabi will not be penalized for violating the rules related to health insurance. However, to receive such a waiver, the persons need to rapidly fill in the necessary documents for gaining health insurance. The authorities appeal to the citizens to seize the opportunities of the initiative before the program is over.

The visa amnesty remains a second opportunity and an opportunity for overstayers to correct their status and start from scratch in the UAE or back home without any accrued penalties on their heads.