As the UAE’s visa amnesty program wraps up on October 31, 2024, tens of thousands of individuals living in the country illegally have taken advantage of the opportunity to regularize their visa status or exit without incurring penalties.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) launched this initiative on September 1, aiming to streamline immigration processes and encourage those with expired visas to settle their situations. However, with only a few days left, officials have confirmed that there will be no extension to this amnesty period, making it crucial for overstayers to act promptly.
The UAE has implemented similar amnesty programs in the past, each designed to address the challenges of unauthorized residency. Previous initiatives, such as those in 2018 and 2020, saw thousands come forward to resolve their visa issues, which helped alleviate potential legal and financial burdens for both individuals and the government.
According to immigration consultant Khalid Mansoor, “The amnesty programs have consistently supported social stability by offering a pathway for undocumented residents to stay legally or return to their home countries without facing punitive measures.” Experts suggest that such programs benefit the UAE by reducing unauthorized residency cases, ultimately supporting the country’s commitment to secure and organized immigration systems.
For those who have yet to resolve their visa issues, the amnesty program provides several pathways:
- Regularization: Individuals can renew or update their visas with reduced fees.
- Exit with Exemption: Those opting to leave the UAE are exempt from overstay fines, providing relief to many.
- Additional Support Services: ICP has set up dedicated help centers to expedite the process, ensuring individuals can meet the UAE immigration deadlines without complications.
With only a few days left, the ICP urges individuals to act swiftly to avoid overstay penalties. Visit authorized ICP service centers or consult immigration support services to ensure compliance with the UAE’s immigration policies.
