Good news for those residing in the UAE! The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a two-month visa amnesty program starting September 1, 2024. This initiative offers a chance for residents and visitors to rectify their immigration status without facing penalties.
What Is Visa Amnesty?
Visa amnesty is a UAE government initiative that allows individuals who have overstayed their visas to correct their status without facing fines or deportation. It often includes fee waivers and opportunities to regularize residency or leave the country.
Key Details of the UAE Visa Amnesty
The amnesty will allow both residents and visitors in the UAE to adjust their visa status without incurring fines or facing deportation. Highlights of the program include:
1. Overstayed Residents: If your UAE residence visa has expired or been cancelled, you can use the amnesty to renew your status without facing fines or legal issues.
2. Visa Overstayers: Tourists who stayed beyond their visa validity can adjust their status during the amnesty, avoiding deportation and fines.
3. Absconded Workers: Former employees who left their sponsor without officially cancelling their visa can rectify their status and avoid penalties under this amnesty.
4. Unregistered Foreigners: Individuals born in the UAE who failed to register their residency within four months can now complete this process without facing penalties.
Also Read: Kuwait Amnesty: Indian Embassy Explains Steps for Returning Home or Renewing Visa
Who Can Benefit?
The UAE visa amnesty helps overstayed residents, tourists with expired visas, absconded workers, and unregistered newborns to adjust their status without penalties or deportation.
- Overstayed Residents: If your UAE residence visa has expired or been cancelled, you can adjust your status during the amnesty.
- Visa Overstayers: Tourists who have remained in the UAE beyond their visa validity can benefit.
- Absconded Workers: Former employees who left their sponsors without proper visa cancellation can rectify their situation.
- Unregistered Foreigners: Individuals born in the UAE who haven’t registered their residency within four months of birth can now do so.
Fines and Fees Waived
The amnesty eliminates various fines, including those for illegal residency, establishment cards, identity cards, and MOHRE employment contracts. It also waives fees for visa cancellations and departure permits.
The amnesty will waive the following fines:
- Administrative fines for illegal stay
- Establishment card fines
- Identity card fines
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) employment contract fines
- MOHRE employment contract renewal fines
Fees being waived during the amnesty include:
- Residence and visa cancellation fee
- Work interruption report fee
- Departure fee
- Residence and visa fees
- Departure permit fees
Also Read: UAE Visa Rules: Don’t Get Fined! Avoid These Overstay Mistakes
How to Apply for a Visa Amnesty
You can apply for the visa amnesty online via the ICP website and update your biometric information at approved typing and fingerprinting centres to benefit from the amnesty.
- Submit your application through the ICP website.
- Update your biometric information at designated typing and fingerprinting centres.
Previous Amnesty Success
The last large-scale UAE visa amnesty in 2018 saw 105,000 individuals benefit from the program, allowing them to normalize their residency and visitor status.
For Further Details, Contact
Reach ICP by phone at 600 522 222, visit their website at www.icp.gov.ae, or contact MOHRE at 600 590 000 for more information.
Final Words
The UAE’s visa amnesty program offers a valuable opportunity for those who have overstayed their visas to rectify their status without penalties. By waiving fines and fees, and providing a clear application process, the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to compassionate immigration management.
If you are affected, take advantage of this chance to regularize your status or make necessary adjustments before the amnesty period ends.
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