The two-month UAE visa amnesty programme that will start on Sunday, September 1, is a golden opportunity for those who are staying illegally in the UAE to either regularise their residency status or leave the country without paying fines.
The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said on Wednesday there would be no overstay fine nor exit fee to be collected. Those who would opt to leave the country will not get an entry ban and they can return to the UAE any time with the right visa.
The amnesty programme covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Those who were born with no documents can also avail of the amnesty and rectify their status. Those who ran away or absconded from their sponsors can also apply. However, those who entered the country illegally, are not eligible to apply for the amnesty
They must first pay their fines for traffic violations and surrender/clear their vehicles for fines before leaving the country.
Family members are allowed to leave the country, or adjust their status accordingly. If the head of the family (father) wishes to leave with his family, the visa of other family members under him will be cancelled and they will be allowed to leave.
However, if the children wish to amend their status, they will be allowed to amend their status with the mother if she is working or according to the conditions of the work visa.
If the head of the family amends his visa, the residency of other family members will also be amended
The ICP will be in charge of:
- Issuing departure permits
- Renewing residence visa
- Issuing residence visa for a newly born foreigner in the country
- Issuing new visa (for work or residence)
- Adjusting status on a valid visa
- Issuing residence permits for work and residence visa violators
- Issuing work permits
- Renewing work permits
- Cancelling work permits
- Registering work stoppage complaints
Note that in the event there are restrictions on a certain company, the ICP will proceed with amending the status of those who overstayed. In the event residency violators have challenges in amending their status with their employers, Mohre will coordinate with the aim of facilitating the amendment of their status.
