UAE Announces Two-Month Visa Amnesty: What You Need to Know

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a generous two-month visa amnesty program, offering a unique opportunity for individuals residing illegally within the country to regularize their status or depart without facing penalties. This initiative, which commenced on September 2, 2024, was officially announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and will continue until October 30, 2024.

Key Provisions of the UAE Amnesty Program

Under this comprehensive amnesty program, individuals holding expired visas of all types, including tourist and residency visas, are eligible to either adjust their legal status within the UAE or depart the country without incurring any fines or entry bans. Notably, this provision extends to individuals born in the UAE without official documentation and those who have absconded from their sponsors. However, it's important to note that the amnesty does not apply to individuals who entered the UAE illegally.

Benefits for UAE Amnesty Program Individuals

• Regularization of Status: Individuals with expired visas can now legalize their stay in the UAE without facing penalties.

• Departure Without Fines: Those wishing to leave the country can do so without incurring any exit fees or fines.

• Relief for Undocumented Individuals: Individuals born in the UAE without official documentation and those who have absconded from sponsors can also benefit from this amnesty.

Facilitating the Process

To accommodate the expected influx of applications, service centers across the UAE have extended their operational hours. Many centers are now open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, ensuring ample time for individuals to complete their applications. Additionally, online applications are available 24/7, providing convenience and flexibility for those wishing to utilize this service.

Support from Indian Embassy and Consulate

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced measures to assist Indian nationals in availing themselves of the amnesty scheme. These include providing Emergency Certificates for those wishing to return to India and facilitating short-validity passports for individuals seeking to regularize their residency status.

Impact on the Indian Expatriate Community

The UAE boasts a significant Indian expatriate community, with approximately 3.5 million Indian residents. This amnesty program is particularly relevant to this community, as Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in the UAE, representing approximately 30% of the total population.

To assist Indian nationals in availing themselves of this amnesty, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced several measures. These include the provision of Emergency Certificates for those intending to return to India and the facilitation of short-validity passports for individuals seeking to regularize their residency status. Moreover, BLS Centers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates have extended their operational hours, including opening on Sundays, to efficiently process applications.

Conclusion

The UAE's two-month visa amnesty program is a significant and compassionate initiative aimed at helping individuals with expired visas or irregular residency status to either regularize their stay or return to their home countries without facing penalties. By extending service hours and providing online application options, the UAE government ensures that this program is accessible and effective.

The amnesty program is especially impactful for the large Indian expatriate community, with the Indian Embassy and Consulate offering additional support to facilitate the process. As the program progresses, it is expected to provide a crucial opportunity for many to rectify their legal status, further underscoring the UAE’s commitment to maintaining social cohesion and addressing immigration challenges with a humane approach.