Last chance for UAE visa amnesty: Dubai reports 236,000 beneficiaries

Today, 31st December 2024, marks the final day of the UAE’s extended amnesty program, offering violators one last opportunity to rectify their residency status without facing fines or entry bans. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) had previously extended the deadline by two months, allowing individuals to regularise their status or leave the country without penalties.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the ICP, reaffirmed that this extension aligns with the UAE’s 53rd Union Day celebrations and reflects the country’s commitment to humanitarian values. The decision to extend the grace period followed numerous appeals from violators seeking to either settle their status, obtain employment, or depart the country.

The ICP has reported a significant surge in activity, particularly in the last few days as the deadline approached. Service centers nationwide have experienced a high volume of visitors seeking assistance to resolve their residency issues.

Major General Al Khaili emphasised that today is the final chance for violators to regularise their status without facing fines or legal consequences. Once the amnesty ends, penalties will be reimposed, and the ICP will ramp up inspection campaigns in collaboration with government partners. Legal actions will be taken against violators remaining in breach of residency regulations.

The amnesty program applies to a wide range of individuals, including:

• Residents with expired visas: Those whose residency permits have expired.
• Overstayed tourists: Visitors whose visas have exceeded their validity.
• Absconding workers: Employees who left their employers without proper visa cancellation.
• Individuals facing legal or financial issues: Those who have been unable to regularise their status due to exceptional circumstances.

As of now, 236,000 violators in Dubai have benefitted from the amnesty, with over 55,000 individuals already leaving the country, and the rest in the process of departure. Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), thanked the government and private sector partners for their efforts in making the program successful.