The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out a two-month visa amnesty programme to visitors who have exceeded their visa limits, effective from September 1, 2024.
The programme is aimed at assisting overstayers in regularising their residency status or returning to their home countries with no penalties, according to the authorities.
It was also designed to resolve their issues legally to avoid potential fines or jail terms, while also permitting those with expired documentation to change their status or leave the country without any legal repercussions.
Eligible applicants include residents who have remained in the country illegally after their residency visas expired, visitors who stayed beyond the validity of their visit visas, and children born in the UAE whose parents did not apply for residency on their behalf.The amnesty programme also applies to those who have fled from their sponsors. However, individuals who entered the country illegally are not eligible to apply for the amnesty.
The Head of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, in a statement, said, “It is a chance for all violators to change their status in the country. The initiative will enhance the country’s position in the human rights sector. “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.”
Applicants seeking the amnesty can access it at various locations across the Emirates.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
