UAE Visa Amnesty from Sept 1: No Fines, Fees for Overstayers
Starting September 1, the UAE is offering a two-month visa amnesty for those with expired visas, allowing them to either change their status or leave the country without facing fines.
Who Can Apply?
The amnesty is open to residents whose visas have expired, visitors who overstayed their visit visas, and children born in the UAE whose parents failed to apply for their residency. It also covers those who fled from their sponsors. However, those who entered the country illegally or violated visa rules after September 1 are not eligible.
Where to Apply?
Amnesty applications can be processed at designated ICP centers across the UAE, including locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates. In Abu Dhabi, applicants can visit centers in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama. In Dubai, services are available at Amer service centers and the Al Awir immigration violators' center. The centers operate daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Cost and Procedure
The process is free of charge, including obtaining an exit permit. Any existing fines will be waived, and the exit permit is valid for 14 days. If the individual does not leave the country within this period, previous fines will be reinstated. Those who exit will not face a ban and can return to the UAE in the future.
Special Cases: Children and Exit Permits
Parents with unregistered children must obtain a passport or travel document for the child and apply for an exit pass either online or at the amnesty centers. Those who change their status can also update their children’s status without penalties.
Amnesty Deadline
The amnesty runs until October 31. In the past, similar initiatives have been extended due to high demand, allowing thousands of people to resolve their residency status.
Background and Impact
This initiative aims to help those without valid documentation, offering them a chance to regularize their status or return home without legal consequences. The amnesty is part of the UAE's efforts to maintain legal residency amidst a growing population. In a previous amnesty in 2018, over 105,000 people benefited, with thousands securing new visas or exit permits.
Why a Visa Amnesty?
Visa amnesties provide a fresh start for many, ensuring that people living in the UAE are doing so legally. With recent changes in visa regulations, including the introduction of golden and green visas, the government continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the population.