Starting September 1, individuals on any type of visa, whether residence or visit, who have overstayed can benefit from the upcoming amnesty. They can either regularize their visa status by applying for a new one or leave the country within 14 days, as announced today, Wednesday, August 28, in Abu Dhabi, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
The ICP also confirmed that the amnesty program covers all visa types, including tourist and expired residency visas. Those born in the UAE without official documents can also take advantage of the amnesty to correct their status. The amnesty will also be applicable to those who fled from their sponsors.
“It is a chance for all violators to change their status in the country,” said Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, head of the ICP.
“We want to support the people who are staying in the country by changing their status to enable them to get their rights and have a safe exit from the country or work and live decently in the UAE.”
Who are not eligible for the amnesty?
Individuals who violate visa rules or flee from their sponsors after September 1 will not qualify for the amnesty. Likewise, those who have been deported from the UAE or other GCC countries are ineligible.
Anyone who has entered the country illegally is not eligible to apply for amnesty.
The two-month grace period, beginning on September 1, is being administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Where to apply for the UAE visa amnesty?
You can apply for the amnesty through the ICP website at icp.gov.ae. A visit to a service center will only be required once you receive a notification to register your biometric data.
Amnesty applications can be processed at various locations across the emirates.
In Abu Dhabi, you can apply at ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama, as well as at private typing centers recognized by the ICP. Typing centers typically handle administrative tasks, including application submissions.
In Dubai, amnesty services are available at Amer service centers and the center for immigration violators in Al Awir.
For the rest of the emirates, applications can be made at ICP centers. All service centers will be open daily from 8 am to 8 pm throughout the amnesty period.
When should I complete fingerprinting or biometric procedures?
If you wish to leave the country, there are two scenarios:
- If you have already completed your biometric registration, you can directly apply for and receive your exit permit.
- If you have not completed biometric fingerprinting, you will need to visit the designated fingerprinting center (for individuals aged 15 and above). After completing the biometric procedures, your exit permit will be issued.
Exit Permit Duration
The exit permit is valid for 14 days, during which you must leave the country. If you do not depart within this period or if the permit expires outside the specified exemption timeframe, all previous fines and restrictions will be automatically reinstated.
What are the benefits of this Grace Period?
- Exemptions from Five Types of Fines:
- Administrative fines for overstaying illegally.
- Fines related to establishment cards.
- Fines for identity card violations.
- Fines for not submitting an employment contract to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Fines for failing to renew an employment contract with MOHRE.
- Exemptions from Fees:
- Residence and visa cancellation fees.
- Fees for filing a work interruption report.
- Departure fees.
- Fees related to residence and visa details.
- Departure permit fees.
- No Entry Ban:
- Violators can leave the country after resolving their status without facing any administrative restrictions or bans that would prevent their return to the UAE.
How much does it cost?
There will be no cost involved to change your visa status or obtain an exit permit.
Any fines previously incurred for staying in the country illegally will also be waived.
Where can I go to raise inquiries?
If you need assistance with your visa status, you can reach out to the ICP through the following channels:
- ICP call centre – 600 522222
- Live chat – icp.gov.ae
- Amer call centre (for Dubai) – 800 5111
- MOHRE call centre – 600590000
- Any of the social media channels of the ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD).
When does the amnesty end?
The amnesty is scheduled to end on October 31. However, an earlier nationwide initiative that was to run for three months was extended by several weeks.
This marks the fourth amnesty program by the UAE government since 2007, with the last one occurring six years ago. That amnesty began on August 1, 2018, initially planned for 90 days until October 31, 2018. However, the federal government extended it by two additional months until December 31, to give more residency violators the opportunity to correct their status or exit the country without penalties.
What services will be available to individuals correcting their status during the amnesty period?
During the amnesty grace period, the following services will be available to individuals correcting their status:
- Issuing an exit permit.
- Renewing a residence permit.
- Issuing a residence permit for newborns born in the country.
- Issuing a new work or residence visa.
- Adjusting the status of a valid visa.
- Issuing a residence permit for visa violators, whether work or residence.
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