As the UAE’s visa amnesty program concludes on October 31, overstaying residents are urged to exit the country if they haven’t secured a job offer, with assurances that they can return without facing penalties or a re-entry ban. Officials encourage individuals to seize this opportunity to avoid fines for overstaying, emphasizing that the program will not be extended, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
The two-month visa amnesty, which began on September 1, provided overstayers across all visa types—tourist and expired residency visas included—a chance to rectify their status without incurring penalties.
Lt Col Salem M Bin Ali, Director of the GDRFA’s Customer Happiness Department, reassured individuals, particularly those awaiting job offers, that leaving temporarily is a practical solution to avoid legal complications. “If a job offer hasn’t materialized yet, leaving now will exempt you from fines, and there is no re-entry ban,” he told Khaleej Times.
This is the fourth amnesty program introduced by the UAE since 2007. Past initiatives, such as the 2018 amnesty, demonstrated the government’s commitment to assist overstayers in managing their status without penalties.
In 2018, the federal authorities extended the initial 90-day amnesty by two additional months, allowing thousands to resolve their residency status. However, this year, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has confirmed there will be no extension. Deportations and stricter entry restrictions are expected for those who choose not to avail of the amnesty.
For expats seeking to re-enter the UAE, immigration centers across the Emirates are prepared to guide overstayers through the exit process. Utilizing authorized channels such as ICP centers, typing centers, or online applications can streamline their return to compliance.
