The majority of visa violators in the UAE who applied to amend their status during the first week of the amnesty initiative have opted to remain in the country, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). Eighty-eight per cent of the applicants chose to stay and work in the UAE, while only 12 per cent decided to leave, Khaleej Times reported.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, highlighted the initiative’s role in offering visa violators the chance to correct their status without having to leave the UAE. The scheme also allows those who choose to exit the country to do so without facing bans, fees, or fines. Al Khaili emphasized the UAE’s commitment to upholding human rights, enabling violators to live and work legally without administrative restrictions after availing of the amnesty.