The UAE announced a visa amnesty program starting September 1, 2024, giving residents and visitors with expired visas the chance to either regularize their status or depart the country — with all overstay fines waived and zero application fees.
The initiative is designed to help people resolve residency issues and avoid potential legal action, offering a clear and cost-free path for those who have been living in an irregular situation.
Who Can Apply for the UAE Visa Amnesty?
The amnesty covers several groups of people:
- Residents whose permits to reside in the UAE have expired - People who overstayed after their visit visas expired - Children of undocumented status born in the UAE whose parents did not obtain valid residence visas - Workers who absconded from their sponsors (reported as "huroob" or absconding) before September 1, 2024
The program does not apply to those who violated immigration law upon entry, or individuals who have previously been expelled from the UAE or any other GCC country.
Where to Apply for the UAE Visa Amnesty
Amnesty applications can be submitted at authorised service centres across all emirates. Service centres operate from 8 AM to 8 PM throughout the amnesty period.
Abu Dhabi: ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama
Dubai: Amer service centres and the Al Awir immigration detention centre
Other Emirates: ICP centres across the country
Costs, Fines, and the Application Process
The UAE visa amnesty waives all fees for visa adjustments and exit permits — there is no application cost. Overstay fines are also completely waived provided you apply under the amnesty.
Those who wish to leave the country will receive an exit permit valid for 14 days, allowing departure without any penalties or consequences. If you remain in the UAE beyond those 14 days without leaving, previous fines will be reinstated.
Additional Considerations
Visitor visa holders who want to exit must apply for an exit permit at designated centres, including Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama in Abu Dhabi, and Al Awir in Dubai.
Children born in the UAE to parents without valid residency documentation are also covered. Parents must first obtain a passport or valid travel document for the child, then apply for an exit permit at an amnesty centre or through the online portal.
The amnesty represents a significant opportunity for anyone in an irregular residency situation to resolve their status legally, without financial penalty, and without fear of prosecution during the program period.
