UAE provides on visa amnesty initiative

emirates7 - The UAE has provided an on its upcoming visa amnesty initiative, scheduled to run from 1 September to 30 October 2024.

Announced last month, this new visa amnesty programme follows the country’s last initiative in 2018. It is designed to assist residents and visitors in regularizing their visa status or leaving the country without incurring penalties.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that the amnesty applies to various visa categories, including expired residency and tourist visas, as well as undocumented individuals. However, the ICP clarified that those who entered the UAE illegally are not eligible for this programme.

For those who qualify, the amnesty offers significant benefits, such as the waiving of fines and fees, and the option to leave the country without facing a travel ban. Those opting to leave will be issued a 14-day departure permit. However, if they fail to exit within this period, fines and restrictions will be reinstated.

Family members of individuals with expired residencies can also their status without facing financial or legal consequences.

To manage the anticipated demand, fingerprint centres will extend their operating hours until 10 pm. In a post on the social media platform X, the ICP outlined the details of how the initiative will function.

This amnesty is expected to be a relief for many, as the daily financial penalty for tourists or residents who overstay their visas has been standardized at Dh50 per day.