Dubai: The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) announced a two-month amnesty program starting on September 1, 2024, for residents with expired visas or those residing illegally in the UAE.
This is a golden opportunity for those who are out of status to rectify their situation or leave the country without facing penalties.
Who can benefit from the amnesty?
The amnesty program is open to a wide range of individuals currently residing in the UAE illegally, including:
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Residency visa violators whose grace period has ended.
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Visitors who have overstayed their visas.
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Individuals who absconded from their employers (with some exceptions).
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Foreigners born in the UAE who were not registered by their guardians.
What are the benefits of the amnesty program?
Those who choose to take advantage of the amnesty will enjoy several benefits:
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Avoidance of Fines and Bans: Amnesty participants will be exempt from five types of fines typically associated with visa violations. They will also not be banned from re-entering the UAE in the future.
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Streamlined Procedures: The amnesty program offers a simplified process for rectifying residency status, renewing visas, obtaining exit permits, and adjusting visa types.
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Extended Service Hours: Service centers registering biometric fingerprints will operate extended hours from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm during the amnesty period.
How to apply for the amnesty
Applications for the amnesty program can be submitted online through the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) 24/7. Individuals will only need to visit a service center once to register their biometric data after receiving a notification.
Important information for specific situations
The amnesty program has specific guidelines for various situations, including:
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Individuals who entered the UAE illegally: This program does not apply to those who entered the country without proper authorization. They are advised to contact the Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for assistance.
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Lost passports: Amnesty participants who have lost their passports can use travel documents issued by their embassies or consulates for departure, provided the information matches their residency details.
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Families with wanted heads of households: Family members can choose to leave the country or adjust their status independently, depending on their circumstances.
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Outstanding restrictions and bans: Individuals with previous restrictions or bans can visit the Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to settle these issues before applying for the amnesty program.
Where to apply for the amnesty
The amnesty program application process can be completed online or in person at designated service centers.
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Dubai: All Amer centers and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai center in Al Awir will be accepting applications.
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Abu Dhabi: ICP centers located in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama will be processing amnesty applications.
Other Emirates: ICP service centers throughout the rest of the UAE will also be accepting applications.
This amnesty program provides a much-needed opportunity for those residing in the UAE illegally to address their status and move forward. With its simplified procedures and exemption from penalties, it's a chance not to be missed.