Last chance for UAE overstayers as visa amnesty deadline extended

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The UAE’s visa amnesty has been extended to 31 December, giving overstayers a final chance to regularise their status without penalties, officials confirmed on Thursday.

“This is the last opportunity for overstayers to settle their status without facing a ban,” said major general Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. He said the initiative has drawn a strong response, with many seeking to stay legally.

The current amnesty began on 1 September and was initially set to end on 31 October. However, with immigration centres seeing high turnout as the initial deadline approached, authorities decided to extend the grace period. The extension allows more time for those on expired visas to secure employment or make arrangements to leave the UAE without facing fines.

Authorities are firm that this is the final extension. Al Khaili said that any violators remaining past the deadline will be subject to fines from 1 January 2025. From that date, the UAE will also step up inspections for individuals without valid visas.

The amnesty programme lets overstayers either update their documents by securing employment or leave the UAE without paying overstay fines.

“For those unable to find a job, we encourage them to leave and return when they can,” lieutenant colonel Salem bin Ali, director of the Customer Happiness Department at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, advised in a previous statement.

The programme offers a reprieve for those who have faced difficulties owing to expired visas, and each centre across the Emirates is prepared to process the applications. In Dubai, Al Awir’s immigration centre has been handling significant demand, doubling its staff to assist applicants.

Locations across Abu Dhabi, including ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah, as well as typing centres, are also processing amnesty applications. Other centres across the Emirates offer similar services.