According to a Thursday announcement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, the UAE visa amnesty program has been extended for an additional two months, with the new deadline concluding on December 31, 2024. Originally, the program was started on September 1 and was supposed to end on October 31.
The initial plan called for the initiative to end on October 31 after it started on September 1. With millions of dollars in fines for overstayers waived, thousands of people have seized the chance to regularize their visa status.
In Honor Of The 53rd Union Day
“The decision to extend the (amnesty) deadline comes in conjunction with the UAE’s celebration of the 53rd Union Day, and as an embodiment of the humanitarian and civilized values of the country,” stated Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director general of the ICP.
“It is also in response to the appeals, desire, and aspirations of violators who wish to settle their status either by leaving the country or obtaining an employment contract and amending their residency and remaining in the country,” he stated.
Al Khaili also mentioned the surge in applications in the final days before the initial October 31 amnesty date.
“The decision to extend the deadline is the last chance for violators to settle their status with exemption from fines and without getting a re-entry ban,” stated Al Khailim. He added: “These (lenient measures) reflect the humanitarian aspect of the initiative, and embody ICP’s keenness to provide a greater opportunity for violators to settle their status, overcome the challenges they face, obtain their full rights, and protect their families.”
READ MORE: Does The UAE Visa Amnesty Scheme Cover Post-September 1 Commited Violations?
Big Turnout
According to Al Khaili, many of those who corrected their status were infractions. He further indicated that “fines will be reinstated for overstayers who continue to violate the residency rules after the extension”.
He emphasized that ICP will step up its efforts to inspect violators. ICP announced earlier this month that violators would be placed on the no-entry list and that deportations and stricter actions would be implemented.
Since 2007, the UAE government has launched four amnesty programs, this year being the fourth. To allow more residence violators to change their status or leave the country without facing consequences, the last one in 2018 was prolonged for an additional two months, ending on December 31st, even though it was only scheduled to last for ninety days, until October 31st.
According to ICP, overstayers can apply online, at authorized typing centers, and any ICP center in the United Arab Emirates.
Source: Khaleej Times