Revealed: Over 236,000 residency violators benefit from visa amnesty in Dubai
Around 55,000 violators used exit permit to leave the UAE
DUBAI: More than 236,000 residency law violators in Dubai have benefitted from the UAE visa amnesty since it was launched on 1st September.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, has confirmed that over 236,000 violators have resolved their issues in the four months since the UAE amnesty was announced.
Exit permits and departures
Dubai's task forces have been crucial in providing necessary adjustments and issuing exit permits for violators. More than 55,000 exit permits were granted, with around 41,000 individuals already departing the country. In addition, Dubai Immigration has helped many violators secure travel tickets, with demand rising sharply in recent weeks.
Job opportunities for violators
The residency authority in Dubai also played a significant role in employing violators within the private sector. Daily coordination with companies seeking workers helped provide job opportunities for those who had violated residency and entry rules. Several interviews and appointments were arranged to connect violators with potential employers.
Victims of scams
Al Marri explained that many violators had fallen victim to scams before arriving in the UAE. They paid visa fees under the false assumption that job opportunities awaited them, only to find that no jobs were available upon arrival. He noted that this issue is not confined to one specific country, as traffickers target violators from all over the world.
Al Marri also highlighted the support provided by Dubai’s residency programme to violators seeking to make use of the grace period. Collaborations with various entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, enabled violators to rectify their status. The Roads and Transport Authority also assisted by offering bus services to transport violators to the settlement centre in Al Awir. Additionally, Dubai’s residency efforts ensured that information about the grace period was communicated effectively to violators through local channels in their home countries, using influencers and coordination with consulates.
Final day to rectify status
Tomorrow marks the final day for violators of the UAE’s residency law to correct their status without facing financial fines or administrative penalties. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security granted a two-month extension to the original deadline, which was set to conclude on 31 December.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has urged residency law violators to take advantage of the remaining time in the grace period. Service centres across the country remain available to assist violators in rectifying their status and benefiting from the available options. Many individuals have already made use of this period, either by regularising their status or leaving the country without incurring financial penalties.
The grace period extension, which coincided with the UAE's 53rd National Day celebrations, reflects the country’s humanitarian values. The decision was made based on extensive data and studies, assessing demand at service centres as the original deadline of 31 December approached.