More than 236,000 in Dubai benefit from UAE's visa amnesty drive

Government campaign to provide a lifeline to those with expired documents will end on Tuesday

Officials offer assistance during the visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir. Pawan Singh / The National

More than 236,000 people living in Dubai without valid residency documentation have benefited from the UAE government's visa amnesty drive, which will draw to a close on Tuesday.

The major humanitarian initiative – which was launched on September 1 – has provided a crucial grace period in which amnesty seekers could secure their status or leave the country without being fined.

The campaign was initially due to run until October 31, before being extended by authorities until the end of the year due to high demand.

The UAE has conducted similar amnesties in 2018, 2013, 2007 and 2003, in which hundreds of thousands of people living in the Emirates illegally have come forward for help. About 105,000 people nationwide were given assistance in 2018.

In September, the GDRFA said 27,000 people had been helped in the first three weeks of the campaign in Dubai, with the latest figures representing a huge increase.

“In Dubai, more than 236,000 people changed their status by renewing or being issued new residency permits or exit passes," said Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

"Among them we issued 55,200 exit passes. The initiative was a major success compared to other amnesty drives in the past."

Providing a lifeline

Such amnesties provide a reprieve for people without valid documentation who may be reluctant to come forward due to concerns about potential fines or jail sentences.

They allow the government to take steps to ensure people are living in the Emirates legally, a key consideration amid a population boom.

It is also an opportunity for many to step out of the shadows and grasp the chance of a fresh start – whether in the UAE or back in their home country.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA. Pawan Singh / The National

Lt Gen Al Marri said the GDRFA stepped in to provide airline tickets for some leaving the country, who would otherwise been unable to meet rising travel costs during the busy holiday season.

“Some couldn’t travel recently because of the costs of the flights during this time of year. We helped many of them by paying for flights home for the one in deep financial need,” he added.

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.

Al Awir centre – one of many offering assistance to overstayers – has experienced large turnouts in recent days from people eager to take advantage of the scheme before it is too late.

The GDRFA said many government departments have worked in tandem to support amnesty seekers as the clock ticks down towards the end-of-year deadline, such as special bus services laid on Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.

“It was a joint work between all entities in Dubai. We are in a humanitarian country, our leaders always directing us to help the people,” said Lt Gen Al Marri.

The senior official highlighted that many visa overstayers had fallen victim to rogue recruiters promising employment opportunities in the Emirates that never materialised.

“They were scammed in their home countries by recruitment agencies before coming to the UAE. The scammers took fees from them and issued entry permits to lure the victims to arrive with a promise to find a job,” Lt Gen Al Marri added.

Anyone whose claim is not processed by the December 31 deadline faces daily overstay fines of Dh50 ($13.60).

Where to apply as deadline looms

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 are 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.