The UAE has announced its visa amnesty program which starts from September 1 where the citizen and visitors with expired visas can either rectify it without charges or leave the UAE without charges. It focuses on assisting people to solve their problems relating to their residency status and save them from possible legal actions.
Which Citizens can Apply for the Amnesty?
The amnesty is open to several groups, including:
- Those immigrants whose permits to reside in that country for a specified period of time have expired.
- Impressive number of people who over-stayed in the country after their visit visas have expired.
- The ‘children of unknown legal status’ which have been born in the UAE, the parents of which did not obtain the residence visas.
- Refugees who absconded from their hosts before September 1 year 2024.
But it excludes those who entered the country for violation of the immigration law or those who have been expelled from the UAE or any other GCC country.
Where to Apply
Amnesty applications can be submitted at various locations across the UAE:Amnesty applications can be submitted at various locations across the UAE:
- Abu Dhabi: Basically, there is need to establish ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama.
- Dubai: Amer service centres and the Al Awir centre for immigration violators’ detentions.
- Other Emirates: Centres for its implementation are ICP centres across the country.
In an effort to enhance a ‘no frills’ service delivery, service centres will be open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening throughout the amnesty period.
Costs and Process
In regard to visa alteration, or acquiring an exit permit, above costs do not apply since they zero charges. A possibility of overstay fines is an aspect that can be overlooked provided that the application will be done with the consent of amnesty. The exit permit which is issued in form of a pass will enable one to travel out of the country for 14 days without any consequences. However, after 14 days previous fines will be accorded in case the participant has not traveled out of the nation.
Additional Considerations
- Visitor Visa Holders: Those who arrived on a visitors’ visa must apply for an exit permit at certain centres including Al Dhafra and Suwaihan in Abu Dhabi and Al Maqam and Al Shahama in Abu Dhabi as well as Al Awir in Dubai.
- Children Born in the UAE: The parents must get a passport or any travel document for the child and then get an exit pass from an amnesty centre or even online.
