Starting September 1, applicants for the UAE visa amnesty programme can visit any of the 86 Amer centres across Dubai or the GDRFA centre in Al Awir. The programme, run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, will continue until October 30.
According to a Khaleej Times report, Amer centres will assist applicants with ‘change status’ services and issue departure permits for those with biometric fingerprints, such as holders of Emirates IDs. Meanwhile, the GDRFA centre in Al Awir will manage fingerprinting and also issue departure permits for those planning to leave the UAE.
Visa violators participating in the amnesty can leave the UAE without facing any restrictions, including ban stamps on passports, allowing them to return to the country in the future on a valid visa.
The amnesty programme covers all visa types, including tourist and expired residency visas. Individuals without documentation or those who have absconded from their sponsors can also apply to rectify their status. However, individuals who entered the UAE illegally are not eligible for the programme.
Authorities encourage applicants to verify information through official channels, such as the GDRFA call centre at 8005111, which operates 24/7, to ensure accurate guidance throughout the process.