The UAE has introduced a new visa amnesty program aimed at individuals who have overstayed their visas. Effective from September 1, 2024, this initiative allows both residents and visitors to adjust their status without the risk of fines or deportation.
Categories Eligible for Amnesty
The amnesty program includes the following categories:
- Residence Visa Holders: Those who have overstayed their residence visas due to expiration or cancellation.
- Visit Visa Violators: Tourists or visitors who have stayed beyond the permitted duration of their visit visas.
- Absconders: Former employees who left their sponsors without cancelling their visas.
- Unregistered Foreigners: Individuals born in the UAE who did not have their residence confirmed within four months of birth.
Key Features of the Amnesty
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) will implement several key features during the two-month grace period:
- No Fines or Fees: Visa violators will not face fines, and applicable fees will be waived. Those wishing to exit the country will not have future travel bans imposed.
- 14-Day Departure Permits: Individuals can obtain permits for departure within 14 days.
- Family Status Adjustments: Family members can also rectify their visa status without incurring financial or legal penalties.
Waivers and Fees
During this period, the ICP will waive several fines and fees, including:
- Fines: Administrative, establishment card, identity card, MOHRE employment contract, and MOHRE employment contract renewal fines.
- Fees: Residence and visa cancellation, work interruption report, departure, residence and visa, and departure permit fees.
Previous Amnesty Program
The last large-scale visa amnesty in the UAE was held in 2018, benefiting around 105,000 individuals. Applications for the current amnesty can be submitted through the ICP website, with biometric updates available at approved centres.
For more information, you can contact:
- ICP by Phone: 600 522 222
- ICP Online: www.icp.gov.ae
- MOHRE: 600 590 000
This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to compassion and providing a fresh start for individuals in the country.
