Visa amnesty: UAE authorities issue exit guidelines as deadline looms

The amnesty ends in less than a month

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  Tourists from Ukraine arrive at Dubai International Airport on flydubai flight on July 10. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

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  The Covid-19 pandemic requires everyone to maintain hygiene protocols such as wearing a mask and social distancing. AFP

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  An Indian passenger carries a child as she waits for a repatriation flight from Dubai International Airport. AFP

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  Health workers test an Indian citizen at Dubai International Airport before he boards a repatriation flight. AFP

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  Medics screen passengers waiting to board repatriation flights at Dubai International Airport. AFP

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  Passengers heading for Dubai can now be tested for Covid-19 at a greater number of facilities after the Emirates airlines recognised more clinics outside the Pure Health network. Getty Images

People living in the UAE with visas that expired before March 1 have until December 30 to benefit from the amnesty and leave the country without any penalties, authorities have said.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship issued guidelines on social media on how people can apply for it.

Those who stay in the UAE on expired visas face fines of up to Dh315 per week, and an additional Dh250 is paid when they leave the country.

The amnesty was announced in May with an initial deadline of August, but it was extended until end of this year to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Air travel bans across the world in March caused many travellers to stay put even as their visas expired. Some people, who had lost their jobs, applied for temporary visit visas to seek new employment.

On Thursday, a step by step guideline on how to benefit from the amnesty was issued.

Expired residence visa

Those on expired residence visas will have to arrive to the airport four hours before the departure time with their passport and flight ticket, which must be dated before December 31.

At the airport, the traveller will be exempted from all fines, all imposed administrative restrictions will be cancelled and their residence visa will be cancelled.

Those who have dependents sponsored under their visa must be accompanied by them.

Expired residence visa holders in the business partner or investor category will have to either liquidate or give up their legal capacity in the company while using the amnesty.

Expired visit visa

Those exiting through Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah airports will have to arrive six hours prior to their departure.

For Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport, the passenger will have to report to the Dubai Civil Aviation Security Centre 48 hours prior to departure time.

Flight ticket must be dated before December 31.

Upon exiting, all fines and visa will be cancelled.