The UAE government has announced an amnesty program for individuals who have overstayed their visas, providing a grace period to either regularize their status or leave the country without facing penalties. This amnesty, declared by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at a press conference on August 28, will start on September 1, 2024, and last for two months.
Who can benefit from the amnesty?
The amnesty is designed to assist several categories of visa violators, including:
Residency Violators: Individuals whose residence permits have expired or been canceled.
Visa Violators: Individuals who have overstayed their visit visas.
Absconding Cases: Those listed as having abandoned their jobs.
Foreigners Born in the UAE: Children whose guardians failed to confirm their residency within four months of birth.
Who is not eligible for the amnesty?
The following categories are excluded from the amnesty:
Violators after September 1, 2024: Those whose visa violations occurred after this date.
Absconders after September 1, 2024: Individuals reported as having left work after this date.
Deportees: Individuals previously deported from the UAE or any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country.
Benefits of the amnesty
The amnesty provides several significant benefits to eligible violators:
Exemption from Fines: Includes waivers for various fines such as overstaying, not renewing identity cards, and failing to provide updated employment contracts to MOHRE.
Fee Waivers: Covers fees related to visa cancellation, work interruption reports, and departure permits.
No Re-entry Ban: Individuals can leave the UAE without facing a re-entry ban after settling their status.
How to apply for the amnesty
Applications for the amnesty can be submitted through the ICP’s website at icp.gov.ae. Applicants will need to visit a service center only to register biometric data if required.
Biometric and fingerprinting requirements
For those needing to leave the UAE, biometric fingerprinting might be necessary:
- If biometrics have already been completed, an exit permit will be issued directly.
- If biometrics have not been done, individuals must visit a designated center for fingerprinting.
Approved centers are available across the UAE, depending on the emirate of visa issuance.
Key points on exit permits
The exit permit is valid for 14 days, within which individuals must leave the country. If departure is not possible within this period, all previous fines and restrictions will be reinstated.
Exclusions and special cases
The amnesty does not cover individuals who entered the UAE illegally (infiltrators). Such cases must be reviewed by the Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Support and inquiries
For further assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact the ICP through various channels, including:
- ICP Call Centre: 600 522222
- Live Chat: icp.gov.ae
- Amer Call Centre (Dubai): 800 5111
- MOHRE Call Centre: 600590000
Consequences for Non-compliance
Those who fail to settle their status within the amnesty period will face legal penalties, including fines and fees.
Additional services provided during the amnesty
During the grace period, the following services will be available:
Issuance of exit permits
Renewal and issuance of residence permits for violators and newborns
Visa adjustments and issuance for new work or residence visas
Working hours during the amnesty period
Service centers for biometric registration will operate from 7 am to 8 pm to accommodate applicants.
Handling special cases
Specific protocols are in place for individuals with lost passports, traffic violations, or those whose family members are also violators. These cases require different procedures depending on the circumstances, including coordination with embassies and other authorities.
Note: The information in this article is sourced from Gulf News, which provides detailed coverage of the UAE amnesty and its guidelines for those affected by visa violations.