The UAE Government is all set after 6 years, to launch its first residency visa amnesty. This UAE visa amnesty scheme provides the individuals with expired documentation an opportunity to regularize their status or leave UAE without incurring fines.
Through this, the government offers a 2 month window for those with lapsed residency visa to take action.
When Will Amnesty Begin And Who Will Oversee The Scheme?
The UAE Government has notified that the amnesty period will start from September 1 and run till November 1. Although the authorities had confirmed the duration of the scheme, there may be possibilities of extension beyond the initial duration as it has happened before.
The Amnesty is said to be overseen by The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). More information regarding the implementations will be soon announced in detail by ICP in the coming weeks. The authorities expect this initiative to align with the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance.
What Are The Process For Amnesty?
Artificial intelligence will be used by the UAE to expedite processes during this amnesty campaign for residency visas. Those whose visas have expired will have two months starting in September to either renew them or depart the UAE without paying any penalties. The ICP attempts to reflect the fundamental principles of the UAE by giving lawbreakers another chance to abide by the law.
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Have UAE Initiated Similar Schemes in the Past?
Of Course, the UAE has conducted amnesties similar to the one announced now in 2007,2013 and 2018. During these schemes, thousands of people visit the immigration centers to resolve their status. Similar to this, another scheme was also initiated by the authorities in 2020. It was aimed to help individuals stranded in the UAE due to coronavirus pandemic.
What Are The Current UAE Visa Laws and The Penalties For Overstaying?
The UAE government has replaced most of the resident visas with 2-3 years of validity with an electronic visa or Emirates ID. The UAE Cabinet introduced changes to visa regulations in April 2022 along with the expanding categories for golden and green visas, aiming self-employed individuals and business owners, which took effect in September 2022.
Standardized overstay fines are Dh50($13.60) per day for both tourists and residents. People holding residency visas have 6 months to either leave the country or change their status by finding a job after their visa has expired or been canceled. It is assumed that the upcoming amnesty will support those who remain in the UAE beyond this 6 month grace period.
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