ICO Launches 'Correction of the Status of Violators' Initiative to Aid Illegal Residents

The International Charity Organisation (ICO) announces 'Correction of the Status of Violators' initiative to support illegal residents, with 600 applications to be processed in the first phase.

In a move to support individuals seeking legal residency in the UAE, the Ajman-based International Charity Organisation (ICO) has launched a significant initiative titled the ‘Correction of the Status of Violators’. The initiative, valued at Dh3 million, aims to assist those benefiting from the ongoing amnesty program for illegal residents by facilitating the completion of residency visa procedures. The amnesty offers individuals an opportunity to regularize their legal status in the UAE without facing penalties for past residency violations.

Key Aspects of the Initiative

The ICO's 'Correction of the Status of Violators' initiative is designed to provide financial support to amnesty seekers, covering the costs involved in obtaining legal residency visas. This move highlights the UAE's ongoing efforts to address issues faced by residents who have overstayed or violated the terms of their visas, allowing them to integrate back into society lawfully.

In the first phase of the initiative, the ICO will accept 600 applications from individuals who meet the program’s criteria. The applications will be processed under the guidelines set forth by the UAE's amnesty campaign, which focuses on exempting individuals from accrued fines and penalties associated with residency violations.

The Two-Month Amnesty Program

The two-month amnesty was launched by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) on September 1, 2024. During this period, applicants have two options: they can either amend their status to remain in the UAE legally by obtaining a valid visa, or they can choose to exit the country without incurring fines or penalties for overstaying. This temporary window offers significant relief for those who have violated residency laws, encouraging them to come forward without the fear of legal or financial repercussions.

Legal Framework of the Amnesty Program

The UAE’s amnesty program has been a vital component of its immigration policy, aiming to regulate the status of individuals who are in violation of residency laws. By offering exemptions from fines and penalties, the program encourages illegal residents to rectify their legal status. This reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting expatriates and ensuring their rights within a lawful framework.

Under the Federal Residency Law, individuals who overstay their visa are typically subject to daily fines. However, during the amnesty period, these penalties are waived, offering violators a clear and accessible path to legal residency. The launch of the Dh3 million fund serves to support these individuals, covering necessary expenses such as application fees, documentation, and other procedural costs.

ICO’s Role in Supporting National Campaigns

Dr. Khalid Al Khaja, Secretary-General of the ICO, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting national humanitarian campaigns, including the ongoing amnesty initiative. He explained that the 'Correction of the Status of Violators' aligns with the ICO’s broader mission to assist vulnerable communities and provide them with the resources they need to achieve stability.

The focus of this initiative is not only on regularizing residency status but also on promoting long-term social and economic stability for amnesty seekers and their families. By facilitating the legal residency process, the initiative helps individuals secure lawful employment, access social services, and fully integrate into the UAE’s community.

Legal Benefits and Broader Implications

From a legal perspective, the initiative provides critical relief to individuals facing financial difficulties related to their residency status. It enables them to resolve legal uncertainties surrounding their residency and avoid future complications. Regularizing residency status also opens up opportunities for lawful employment, healthcare access, and other government services, ensuring stability for individuals and their families.

The initiative demonstrates the UAE’s proactive approach in addressing immigration challenges while balancing national security with humanitarian considerations. The government’s consistent efforts to provide amnesty, coupled with financial support from organizations like the ICO, reflect a comprehensive strategy to manage immigration in a fair and just manner.

Conclusion

The ICO’s 'Correction of the Status of Violators' initiative, backed by Dh3 million in funding, offers much-needed assistance to individuals participating in the UAE’s amnesty program. By covering the costs associated with securing legal residency visas, the initiative helps individuals resolve their immigration issues and contributes to their long-term well-being. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the UAE’s national amnesty campaign, while also highlighting the importance of legal frameworks in fostering stability for all residents.

The two-month amnesty program, launched by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, provides a vital opportunity for illegal residents to rectify their status, whether through obtaining valid visas or exiting the UAE without penalties. This initiative not only represents a significant legal development but also sets a precedent for how government and charitable organizations can work together to offer a stable, lawful future for all residents.

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