Dubai Expands Immigration Team as Visa Amnesty Ends

In a decisive move to handle the influx of visa amnesty seekers, Dubai's Al Awir Centre has doubled its number of immigration officers. This increase comes as the deadline for the UAE's visa amnesty approaches on Thursday, October 31. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) is urging anyone who hasn’t yet come forward to act quickly.

A Rush at Al Awir Centre

On Monday, the Al Awir Centre saw a significant rush as thousands flocked to resolve their visa-related issues. With the deadline looming, the GDRFA implemented a special plan to manage the expected surge in applicants. Lt. Col. Salem bin Ali, director of the customer happiness department at the GDRFA, highlighted the increase in personnel as a response to historical trends during previous amnesties.

“We’ve seen this happen before, so we expect many people to show up in the last week of the amnesty,” said Lt. Col. bin Ali. He confirmed that there will be no extension to the amnesty period.

Key Information About Exit Passes

Every exit pass granted during this period allows for a 14-day window for individuals to leave the country without incurring fines. Companies have been instructed to halt the recruitment of overstayers, as there isn’t enough time left to process employment visas before the initiative ends.

Many individuals, hoping for job opportunities, have waited until the final days of the amnesty. Lt. Col. bin Ali reassured them, stating that they can return to find employment after leaving. “If you cannot find a job, please leave the country. You are most welcome to come back anytime,” he added.

Application Process

Those holding an Emirates ID should go directly to an Amer immigration centre to obtain an exit pass. If you don’t have an Emirates ID, you can have your fingerprints processed at the Al Awir Centre, where your exit pass should be ready within three days.

“With only a few days left, this is a crucial opportunity. We are operating at Al Awir Centre from 8 AM to 8 PM,” Lt. Col. bin Ali emphasized.

Stories of Hope

Many individuals, like Innocent Chibuzo from Nigeria, decided to wait until the last week of the amnesty to seek employment before applying for an exit visa. Chibuzo came to the UAE on a visit visa just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and has been searching for a job since then. After accumulating fines of about Dh80,000, he’s now ready to leave and plans to return legally to search for work.

“I want to return and apply for a job in a proper way,” he said, expressing hope for the future.

Eman Ganam from Morocco, who had been working in Dubai but faced difficulties with her sponsor, also received her exit pass after staying illegally for a year. She intends to return with an employment visa once she leaves.

Understanding Visa Overstay Rules

The UAE has standardized penalties for overstaying at Dh50 ($13.6) per day, as per updates from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Residency visa holders have a grace period of six months to either leave the country or change their status after their visa expires or is canceled. The current amnesty is a crucial lifeline for those who remain in the country illegally beyond this grace period.

Where to Apply for Amnesty

Applications for the amnesty can be processed at various locations throughout the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, individuals can visit ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah, as well as recognized private typing centres. In Dubai, amnesty services are available at Amer service centres and the Al Awir Centre for immigration violators.

Service centres operate daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, providing ample opportunity for individuals to apply for their exit passes.

The Importance of Visa Amnesty

Visa amnesties are essential for offering a second chance to those without valid documentation, addressing their fears of fines or imprisonment. This initiative helps the government maintain legal residency in the UAE, especially amidst a growing population. It also provides a chance for individuals to start anew, whether in the UAE or back in their home countries.

With recent visa changes implemented in April 2022, including the introduction of golden and green visas aimed at self-employed individuals and business owners, there are more opportunities than ever for individuals looking to establish themselves in the UAE.

As the final days of the visa amnesty approach, now is the time for those affected to take action and secure their future.