UAE: What is the new visa amnesty scheme?

Image credit: WAM

The UAE has announced a residency visa amnesty – the first after the coronavirus pandemic, offering a chance to those in the country, with expired visas to regularise their status or leave, without incurring fines.

When will the amnesty begin?

The amnesty will commence on September 1 and will run until November 1.

Authorities have confirmed this grace period, although similar initiatives in the past have sometimes been extended beyond their initial duration.

Who is overseeing it?

The scheme will be overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

The ICP has indicated that more details regarding the implementation of the amnesty will be released in the coming weeks.

The ICP stated, “The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularise their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built.”

What is the process for amnesty?

The UAE will utilise artificial intelligence to streamline procedures during this residency visa amnesty campaign.

The government has announced that starting in September, there will be a two-month period for individuals with expired visas to either regularise their status or leave the UAE without facing fines.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularize their status in accordance with the law, as a gesture that reflects the values of compassion and tolerance upon which the UAE is built. pic.twitter.com/70egnBx3ll

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 1, 2024

Has the UAE conducted similar schemes in the past?

Yes, similar amnesties were held in 2007, 2013, and 2018, during which thousands of people visited immigration centres to resolve their status. Another initiative took place in 2020 to support individuals stranded in the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.

What are the current UAE visa laws?

The UAE issues a two or three-year visa for those working in the country. The visa, which was earlier issued in an individual’s passport, has now been replaced by an electronic visa as well as the Emirates ID.

Apart from the two-year residency visas, the UAE has new categories called the golden and green visas, aimed at self-employed people and business owners, which are of a longer duration.

What are the penalties for overstaying a visa?

Overstay fines are Dhs50 ($13.60) per day for both tourists and residents.

In the event that a resident loses their job which leads to a visa cancellation or if the visa expires, the UAE allows a grace period, to either leave the country or change their status by finding a job.

The upcoming amnesty will particularly support those who remain in the UAE beyond this six-month grace period.

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