Federal authorities are urging UAE residents and visitors who have overstayed their visas to take immediate action before the UAE visa amnesty deadline of October 31, 2024. In a clear statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the amnesty will not be extended beyond that date.
No Extension to the October 31 Deadline
Maj Gen Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the ICP, was unequivocal: "There will be no extension of the deadline after October 31."
The two-month amnesty program launched on September 1, 2024, giving overstayers a window to either secure employment and legalise their residency, or leave the country without incurring penalties or a travel ban. Overstay fines are waived for those who comply before the deadline.
What Overstayers Must Do Before October 31
Eligible individuals have two options under the UAE visa amnesty:
- Legalise status: Find a job and convert to a valid residency visa through authorised channels. - Exit penalty-free: Obtain an exit pass and leave the UAE without a ban, regardless of how long they overstayed.
Passports with as little as one month of remaining validity are accepted for applications until the end of October.
All applications must be submitted at ICP or Amer service centres across the Emirates. Centres are operating daily from 8 AM to 8 PM throughout the amnesty period to handle the increased volume.
Over 27,000 Already Availed the Amnesty
The response has been significant. In Dubai alone, more than 27,173 individuals had taken advantage of the program by September 24 — with 19,772 having their status legalised and 7,401 receiving exit passes across 86 Amer centres.
Maj Gen Al Nuaimi urged those yet to act: "Overstayers have limited days to either leave without a ban or get a job and be issued new residency to live legally."
Strict Enforcement From November 1
Once the UAE visa amnesty deadline passes, authorities will shift to enforcement mode. Starting November 1, the ICP will conduct extensive inspection campaigns targeting companies, industrial areas, and labour camps across the country.
Those who fail to comply before October 31 will face automatic penalty fines activated in the immigration system, along with the full weight of UAE immigration law. Authorities have made clear there will be no leniency after the cutoff.
Anyone still in an irregular visa situation is strongly advised to visit the nearest ICP or Amer centre before October 31 to avoid penalties.
