UAE visa amnesty: Residency violators face penalties from January 1
Authorities to launch intensive inspections after December 31 deadline
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has issued a final reminder to residency law violators in the UAE, urging them to regularise their status before the visa amnesty ends on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Starting January 1, 2025, penalties will be reinstated, and rigorous inspection campaigns will target those who fail to comply. These efforts, carried out in partnership with police departments and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), aim to uphold legal and social stability.
Originally set to conclude on October 31, the amnesty was extended by two months, coinciding with the UAE’s 53rd National Day celebrations. The extension reflects the nation’s humanitarian ethos, allowing thousands to either secure lawful work permits or leave the country without penalties.
UAE Visa Amnesty
This grace period has seen substantial participation, with thousands benefiting from the initiative. Eligible individuals include visa overstayers, residency permit violators, absconding workers, and even foreign-born newborns whose legal status was unresolved within four months of birth.
Key benefits:
- Fine Waivers: Elimination of penalties for residency, identity cards, establishment cards, and work permits.
- Ban Exemptions: Removal of entry bans for a fresh start in the UAE or safe departure.
- Streamlined Processes: Simplified electronic and in-person procedures for resolving violations.
The extension addresses public demand and ensures social harmony while enabling violators to reintegrate legally or reunite with families.
Categories of violators eligible for amnesty
The initiative targets several categories of violators:
- Visa Overstayers: Individuals who stayed beyond the validity of their visas.
- Residency Permit Violators: Those classified under unlawful residency due to expired permits.
- Absconding Cases: Workers reported for leaving employment without valid justification.
- Foreign-born newborns: Infants whose legal status was not addressed within four months of birth.
Visa Amnesty deadline nears
Authorities have emphasised that violators who ignore the December 31 deadline will face full penalties.
From January 1, 2025, inspection campaigns will intensify, leaving no room for further leniency.
A senior official confirmed that the amnesty has already helped thousands secure employment, stabilise families, or regularise their residency status. These outcomes underscore the programme’s significant legal and social impact.