UAE Visa Amnesty 2024: Key Details on Eligibility, Application, and Benefits

The UAE is set to launch a two-month visa amnesty starting this Sunday, offering a golden opportunity for individuals with expired visas to rectify their status or leave the country without facing fines.

Who is Eligible?

The amnesty applies to various groups:

Residents: Those whose residency visas have expired and are now staying in the country illegally.

Visitors: Individuals who overstayed their visit visas.

Children: Born in the UAE, whose parents did not secure residency visas for them.

Workers: Those who have fled from their sponsors.

However, the amnesty does not extend to:

Individuals who entered the UAE illegally.

Those who violated visa rules or fled from their sponsors after September 1.

Individuals previously deported from the UAE or other GCC countries.

Duration and Oversight

The amnesty begins on September 1 and runs for two months. It is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). According to Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, head of ICP, this initiative enhances the UAE's commitment to human rights by providing an opportunity for violators to correct their status or safely exit the country.

Where to Apply?

Amnesty applications can be submitted at designated centers across the UAE:

Abu Dhabi: ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah, as well as recognized private typing centers.

Dubai: Amer service centers and the Al Awir center for immigration violators.

Other Emirates: ICP centers are available throughout the country.

Service centers will operate daily from 8 AM to 8 PM during the amnesty period.

Cost and Benefits

There is no cost to change your visa status or obtain an exit permit. Fines previously incurred will be waived, and the exit permit, valid for 14 days, allows individuals to leave the country without being added to a banned list. After 14 days, fines will be reinstated if the individual has not departed.

Special Considerations

Exit Permits: Those with expired residency visas can apply at any listed center. Visitors, however, must go to specific ICP centers in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Children: Parents of children without residency visas must obtain a passport or travel document for the child and either visit an amnesty center or apply online for an exit pass.

When Does the Amnesty End?

The amnesty is set to conclude on October 31, though previous initiatives have seen extensions. The ICP emphasizes that this is a unique chance to regularize status or leave the country without incurring penalties.

The Importance of Visa Amnesty

Visa amnesties offer a lifeline to individuals living without proper documentation, often fearful of fines or jail time. This initiative helps the UAE maintain legal residency standards amidst a growing population and allows many to start anew, either in the UAE or back in their home country.

Understanding Visa Overstay Rules

As of October 2022, the financial penalty for overstaying a visa in the UAE is Dh50 ($13.6) per day. Residency visa holders have six months to leave or change their status once their visa expires or is cancelled. The amnesty provides relief for those exceeding this grace period.

Demand for Amnesty

Since the announcement on August 1, embassies of countries with large expatriate populations have been inundated with inquiries. Many missions are extending their hours and sending officials nationwide to assist individuals interested in resolving their visa issues or seeking new employment opportunities.

This visa amnesty represents a significant opportunity for thousands to ensure they remain on the right side of the law or to safely return home.

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