Tens of thousands of illegal residents took advantage of the government’s new amnesty, Dubai’s immigration department has said.
Figures showed 32,843 have approached Amer centres for residency-related services. Nearly 25,086 people got new visas under sponsors, while another 2,916 renewed their residency visas through Amer centres.
The centres issued 2,344 exit permits to people of different nationalities, according to figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai on Saturday.
“Thousands have approached Amer centres to regularise their status, including 165 citizens of war-torn countries, said Maj Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA.
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Citizens of war-torn countries who overstayed their visas have been allowed to remain in the Emirates for a year if they come forward and declare their status with the authorities. Those who come forward during the three-month grace period will not face legal consequences and are exempt from fines.
The most recent amnesty gave those living and working illegally in the country a chance to regularise their status, avoid fines, and legal consequences.
Around 47 centres are operating across Dubai, including 21 centres in Bur Dubai and 26 in Deira.
