Illegal residents in the UAE who choose to leave the country under the new visa amnesty program will be offered discounted flight tickets, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). The amnesty, which runs from September 1 to October 30, 2024, covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas.
Maj-Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, confirmed in a Khaleej Times report that UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia, will provide discounted airfare for individuals who wish to leave the country but face financial difficulties. The amnesty program aims to assist illegal residents in leaving without facing overstay fines, exit fees, or entry bans, allowing them to return to the UAE anytime with the appropriate visa.
Those wishing to avail themselves of the amnesty must apply for an exit permit. Individuals with biometric records can submit their departure permit applications online, while those without biometrics must visit designated centers to complete fingerprinting procedures. The exit permits will be valid for 14 days after issuance. However, any fines or restrictions will be reinstated if the individual does not leave within the grace period.