Dubai has seen a surge in applications during the first week of the UAE’s amnesty program, with close to 20,000 individuals seeking to regularise their status or leave the country without penalties, Khaleej Times reported. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) reported that over 98% of the applications were processed within 48 hours, with more than 90% submitted online.
The initiative, which began on September 1 and will continue until October 30, aims to help violators either correct their residency status or depart without facing fines, bans, or exit fees. The Al Awir Service Center received 2,393 applicants, accounting for about 10% of the total, with 60 service platforms established to manage the volume.
In addition, over 17,000 requests for status modification were processed through Amer centres and digital platforms. The GDRFA has been working closely with foreign missions and consulates in Dubai to assist residents of various nationalities by offering support and raising awareness about the amnesty program.