UAE: Amnesty period ends on October 31, no extensions available
Strict legal action will be taken against the violators
Sharjah: Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), announced that there will be no extension of the amnesty period, which will conclude on October 31. With less than 24 days remaining, residency violators are urged to adjust their visa statuses promptly.
He noted that with less than 24 days remaining in the grace period, violators must seize the opportunity to rectify their visa statuses. They can either safely leave without receiving a ban upon re-entry or secure a job contract, obtain a new residency, and live and work legally in the state.
Strict legal measures will be taken against individuals found violating residency rules after the grace period ends. This includes reinstating previous fines, deportation, and inclusion in the no-entry list.
“There will be fines imposed and deportations ordered from the country with no possibility of re-entry unless conditions are met,” said Major General Sultan Yusuf Al Nuaimi, Director General of Residency and Foreign Affairs. He also urged those who have received exit permits to leave before the deadline, as some individuals have not yet departed.
No leniency in enforcement
“There will be no leniency, even in the courts; inspection campaigns will continue to apprehend violators and deport them, placing them on the list of individuals banned from entering the country in the future,” he added.
Intensive inspection campaigns will be conducted in residential areas, companies, shops, and industrial zones to identify violators. Dedicated teams are actively monitoring these locations.
Al Nuaimi highlighted that the authorities have encountered cases of violators who have illegally stayed in the country for 15 to 20 years. While some have resolved their visa statuses, others have either left the country or plan to do so before the deadline.
Cooperation with airlines and charities
The authorities are collaborating with national airlines to provide tickets at reduced prices, and charitable organizations are assisting by covering ticket costs for deserving cases.
Gathering feedback for support
ICP teams are collecting feedback from beneficiaries regarding any challenges they may be facing, alongside suggestions for appropriate solutions in collaboration with federal and local government entities, private sector companies, and relevant foreign embassies.