The United Arab Emirates (UAE)has extended its general amnesty period for foreign workers,including Sri Lankans until December 31st 2024.
UAE Extends General Amnesty for Sri Lankans Until December 31
Originally set to end on October 31, the amnesty allows undocumented workers to regularize their status, exit the country without penalties, or obtain necessary documents to facilitate their return home.
The Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka reports that during the initial period from September 1 to October 31, over 8,500 Sri Lankans sought services at the Dubai Consulate General.
These services included the issuance of new passports and temporary travel documents, along with the facilitation of exit permits for those wishing to leave the UAE.
Additionally, 1,175 Sri Lankans received air tickets at concessional rates through the counter set up by the Consulate General.
However, due to the high demand, the bureau is urging Sri Lankans who do not possess a valid passport or who have lost their documents to apply for temporary travel documents as soon as possible to avoid delays.
The extension of the amnesty gives Sri Lankans still in the UAE an additional opportunity to regularize their immigration status, making the process smoother for those wishing to return home or resolve their employment status in the country.
