The UAE News Report: The UAE government has extended the ‘VISA AMNESTY’ programme until December 31 on huge demand as a lot of overstayers are looking to change their visa status, officials have said.
“The extension is the last opportunity for overstayers to regularise their stay in the UAE without having a ban,” Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said in a statement. “The initiative witnessed a large number of overstayers wishing to change their status.”
Maj Gen Al Khaili confirmed this is the last extension for the initiative and that fines will be automatically listed on January 1, 2025. “The authority will launch extensive campaigns for checks for people without valid visas following the deadline,” he added.
“The authority was keen to give violators a good chance to overcome their obstacles and change their status by either leaving the country without paying fines or by having a work contract and changing their status to stay in the country.”
The Visa Amnesty was launched for two months starting from September 1 that offers an excellent opportunity to the people with expired visas to claim amnesty and either update their documents by finding employment, or leave the country without fear of penalties, with any overstay fees waived.
Immigration centres across the country had been braced for a busy day on Thursday, the day previously listed as the amnesty’s deadline, with a high turnout of overstayers expected to arrive before the 8pm closure. At Dubai’s Al Awir Centre, the number of immigration officers was doubled to deal with demand. With overstayers now offered an extra two months to regularise their stay, the message remains the same, and offers people a second chance.
“If you cannot find a job, please leave the country, you can come back, you are most welcome any time,” Lt Col Salem bin Ali, director of the customer happiness department at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, said.
There are locations throughout the Emirates where an application for amnesty can be processed. In Abu Dhabi, people can apply at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam and Al Shahamah and private typing centres that are recognised by the ICP.
Typing centres typically perform administrative services, including application submissions. In Dubai, amnesty services will be provided at its Amer service centres, and the centre for immigration violators in Al Awir. Amnesty applications can be made at ICP centres throughout the rest of the Emirates.
Such amnesties provide a reprieve for those without valid documentation who could be reluctant to come forward due to concerns about possible fines or jail sentences. This allows the government to ensure people are living in the Emirates legally, an important consideration against the backdrop of a population boom. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com
