An injury at a worksite almost ruined Rajesh Kumar's hopes of flying back to his family in India's Uttar Pradesh without paying a fine for overstaying his visa, under the two-month amnesty initiative.
Mr Kumar, 48, had not seen his family since he moved to the UAE in 2003. "I fractured my leg a few days ago at work," he told The National. "But, I couldn’t go to the hospital because I don’t have medical insurance or a valid visa." He said his passport had also expired.
His troubles started when he lost his job in 2012 but stayed in the country in the hope of finding work. Being the sole provider for his family, he has continued to live and work illegally for the past 12 years.
"I haven't gone to India in 21 years," he said. "I’m unmarried but my family lives there."
Due to his injury, Mr Kumar was unable to walk and sought help from other workers at the labour camp in Al Qusais to take him to the centre in Al Awir.
Pakistani school bus driver Mohammed Ali stepped in to help despite not knowing him. "I felt sorry for him because he was struggling to walk," he told The National.
Mr Ali took him to the amnesty centre and helped him into a wheelchair while the injured worker's documents were being processed.
Seeing his condition, officers from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai also offered support. "We are here to help people in need,” said Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai. "The amnesty initiative is a great opportunity for everyone to change their status and enjoy a decent life inside the UAE or return to their countries without paying fines."
He instructed his team to take Mr Kumar to a nearby medical centre for treatment, while inviting a representative from the Indian consulate to Al Awir to sort out Mr Kumar's mandatory travel documents needed for an exit pass.
Mr Kumar admitted to being a little worried about coming forward, fearing legal repercussions. “But now I'm happy that I will go back to my country and see my family after all these years. I’m thankful to the UAE and GDRFA-Dubai for looking after me."
Officials have confirmed that those leaving the country during the amnesty will not be subject to an entry ban. Those who successfully obtain an amnesty can return to the UAE later on a visa.
The initiative will deliver a crucial lifeline to those who have amassed hefty overstay fines, totalling tens of thousands of dirhams in some instances. According to UAE law, the penalty for overstaying a visa is calculated at Dh50 ($13.60) a day for tourists and residents.
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Faral Ally Hamis, from Tanzania, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir area. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
People wait to be seen at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. -
Officials help direct those waiting during the second day of visa amnesty in Dubai. -
Visitors were given free coconut water at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. -
Kashem Samir Hossain, from Bangladesh, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. -
Officials help during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. -
Officials deal with the queues at the visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Al Awir, Dubai. -
Maj Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA, centre, talking to visitors -
Officials in the women's section during the visa amnesty -
People who have overstayed their residence or visit visas will not be fined -
Venus Devera from the Philippines with her 15-month-old daughter Alvia Faith at the General Directorate in Dubai -
The two-month initiative is open for people with expired residency and visit visas -
Christopher Kyeyunemr, 29, from Uganda, was one of the first people to obtain the exit pass after living illegally for two years -
Companies set up their stands to recruit candidates during the visa amnesty -
Bachaire Polindao from the Philippines with her 10-month-old daughter Amal Mohamed Mustafa at the amnesty in Dubai -
People wait to have their stay in the UAE legalised
