The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a visa amnesty program allowing individuals living illegally in the country to either legalize their residency status or depart without facing penalties. The program will run for two months, from September 1 to October 31, 2024, according to VisaGuide.World.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), cited by the Khaleej Times, stated that those who leave the UAE during the amnesty period will not be subject to overstay fines, exit fees, or entry bans, allowing them the right to re-enter the UAE at any time with valid visas and documentation.
UAE authorities noted that the amnesty program promotes “respect for the law, tolerance, compassion, and social cohesion.”
Who Is Eligible for the Visa Amnesty Program?
The amnesty covers all categories of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Individuals born without documents or those who absconded from their sponsors are also eligible to regularize their status.
However, those who entered the UAE irregularly, residency and visa violators after September 1, 2024, those with absconding cases after that date, and individuals with deportation cases in the UAE or any GCC country are not eligible.
How to Apply for the Amnesty Program
Eligible individuals can apply in person at Amer centres in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai centre in Al Awir, and at designated centres in Abu Dhabi, including Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama. Service centres will operate extended hours, from 07:00 to 22:00, to facilitate biometric fingerprint registration.
Alternatively, applications can be submitted online at any time. However, applicants will need to visit a service centre for biometric fingerprinting.
