Those hoping to apply for the UAE visa amnesty have been advised not to leave it until the last minute, for they risk missing out and being fined by authorities.
Huge demand from people who had overstayed in the country meant the deadline for the scheme was extended until December 31. However, the director general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, warned it was advisable to apply long before then to avoid the possibility of a claim not being processed in time.
The typical visa amnesty application takes at least 48 hours to process. Anyone whose claim is not processed by the December 31 deadline faces a daily fine of Dh50 ($13.6).
“Don't leave it to the last minute to apply for amnesty,” said Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri. “There are less than 15 days left before the end of the amnesty initiative. People who stay illegally in the UAE will be fined. It’s a golden opportunity, as there will be no more extension.”
The amnesty was launched on September 1, for an initial two-month period. It offered people on expired visas an opportunity to claim amnesty and either update their documents by finding employment, or leave the country without fear of penalties, with any overstay fees waived.
Mr Al Marri said the amnesty has gone smoothly to date. “We helped people and [in some cases] bought airline tickets [for them]. We helped to connect them with their embassies to renew passports or solve their problems. We will continue to treat people in a humanitarian way,” he added. “Many people changed their status after finding new jobs. We had many companies offering interviews on the spot.”
The National had previously reported how firms were set up with booths in the Al Awir amnesty centre in Dubai.
Change of status
The majority of applicants for the amnesty were applying to change their status, rather than be repatriated, said Col Abdullah Atiq, deputy assistant director of investigation affairs at the GDRFA.
“We are witnessing less numbers of people [than in the early weeks] coming to get an exit pass to leave the country,” Col Atiq told The National. The reason for this, he said, was down to simple economics for many. “It is because of the costs of the flights during this time of year.”
While the GDRFA has paid for flights home for some amnesty seekers in deep financial need, the policy does not extend to every applicant.
The exit pass – in place to allow visa overstayers to leave the country without incurring fines – was previously only valid for 14 days after receiving the amnesty, but was later extended until the end of the scheme.
The amnesty, he said, was a chance for many parents to legalise their residency status and provide a better future for their children.
“[In one case] we managed to get a DNA result to prove the biological mother of children without documents in order to apply for birth certificates and passports for the children,” said Col Atiq.
Legislation that came into effect in January 2022 stipulates that a couple must either marry or acknowledge the child jointly or individually and provide identification papers and travel documents according to their respective national laws.
“Parents were happy to ensure their children have access to critical health care and can go to schools,” said Col Atiq.
GDRFA Dubai urges amnesty seekers to phone 8005111 for any enquiries related to the amnesty.
Where to apply
There are locations throughout the Emirates where an application for amnesty can be processed. In Abu Dhabi, applications can be made at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam and Al Shahamah and private typing centres that are recognised by the ICP. Typing centres typically perform administrative services, including application submissions.
In Dubai, amnesty services will be provided at its Amer service centres, and the centre for immigration violators in Al Awir. Amnesty applications can be made at ICP centres throughout the rest of the Emirates.
