Authorities in Dubai have announced that companies in the UAE can now process labor cards for employees who have overstayed their visas without incurring any fines or penalties. This change follows the UAE government’s recent visa amnesty program, which aims to offer a fresh start to those wishing to remain in the country legally.
Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), confirmed in a Khaleej Times report that all fines for individuals who have availed themselves of the amnesty have been removed from the system. “This is part of our effort to provide everyone with a fresh start and to show that the UAE is committed to helping those who want to stay and work here legally,” he said in an interview.
Public relations officers and immigration experts have also noted that several companies have successfully applied for labor cards for employees who have overstayed, without facing any penalties. For instance, Moosa T from IDS Documents Clearing Service reported assisting a transportation company in issuing a labor card for an employee who had previously accrued over AED 4,000 in fines. Due to the amnesty, the company only had to pay the processing fee to regularize the employee’s status.
The two-month amnesty, which began on Sunday, allows illegal residents to either leave the country without penalties or convert their visa to a residency visa if they find employment. Immigration experts are encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to rectify their legal status in the UAE. Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service, described the amnesty as a “golden opportunity” for those wishing to remain in the country or return in the future without any legal hindrances.
Several companies, including Hotpack, have set up recruitment counters at the GDRFA tent in Al Awir to hire skilled and unskilled workers. Deputy general manager Mujeeb Rahman said the amnesty provides a good pool of candidates for positions like machine operators in their factory. He added that selected candidates could have their labor cards and visas processed within a week after receiving an offer letter from the Ministry of Labour.