Are you or someone you know overstaying on a visa in the UAE? The UAE government has rolled out a two-month visa amnesty starting September 1, 2024, giving people a chance to fix their visa status without paying fines or facing a ban. This is a great opportunity to clear your record, stay legally, or leave the country without any penalties.
What Is the UAE Visa Amnesty?
If you’ve overstayed your visa in the UAE, you know how stressful it can be. Fines pile up quickly, and there’s always the risk of legal trouble or a future ban from the country. But with the 2024 visa amnesty, you can regularize your status without worrying about fines. Whether you’ve overstayed a residency visa, visit visa, or tourist visa, now’s the time to set things right.
Who Can Benefit from the Amnesty?
This amnesty is for anyone who has overstayed their visa or has unresolved visa issues. Here’s who it helps:
- Residents: If your residency visa expires or gets canceled, you can fix your status.
- Visitors: If your visit visa or tourist visa expires, this amnesty is for you.
- Absconding Cases: If your employer reported you as absconding, you can clear that up too.
- People Born in the UAE: If someone was born here but never got their residency confirmed, they can now do so without penalties.
Note: This amnesty does not apply to violations after September 1, 2024, or if you were listed as an absconder after this date. It also won’t help if you’re under a deportation order with a ban from the UAE or other GCC countries.
What Are the Benefits?
Taking advantage of the amnesty comes with several perks:
- No Fines: You won’t have to pay any penalties for overstaying or missing identity card renewals.
- No Fees: There are no charges for canceling your visa, filing work interruption reports, or adjusting your visa status.
- No Entry Ban: You can leave the UAE without getting an entry ban, meaning you can return to the country later without any issues.
How to Apply for the Amnesty
Applying for the amnesty is easy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Apply Online: Head to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website at icp.gov.ae to start the process.
- Biometric Data: If you haven’t completed your biometric fingerprinting yet, you’ll need to visit an approved center. This step is required for anyone 15 and older.
- Exit Permits: Planning to leave the country? You’ll need to get an exit permit, which is valid for 14 days. Make sure you leave within this time to avoid fines kicking in again.
Where to Complete Biometric Fingerprinting
If you need to complete your biometric fingerprinting, you can visit one of these centers:
- Abu Dhabi: Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama service centers.
- Dubai: Al Aweer Service Center.
- Other Emirates: All service centers with biometric devices.
What Happens If You Miss the Amnesty?
If you don’t take advantage of this amnesty, you’ll have to deal with fines, fees, and possibly more legal issues. The amnesty is only available until October 31, 2024, so it’s crucial to act now.
Special Situations
Lost Passport: If you’ve lost your passport, report it immediately and get a travel document from your embassy. You’ll need this document to apply for the exit permit.
Family Members: If the head of the family has visa issues, other family members can still regularize their status. Options include transferring sponsorship to the employed mother or meeting work visa requirements.
Troubled Companies: If your employer’s company has restrictions, you can still fix your visa status. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and ICP are coordinating to help with these cases.
What to Do Next
Once your application is processed, you’ll either be able to stay in the UAE with a legal visa status or leave the country without penalties. Remember, this amnesty is only available until October 31, 2024, so don’t wait to take action.
Need Help?
If you need more information or help with the process, you can contact the ICP at 600 522222, use their live chat on their website, or reach out through their social media. If you’re in Dubai, the Amer call center at 800 5111 is also available to assist you.
The UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 is your chance to clear your record and ensure a stress-free future in the UAE. Whether you choose to stay or leave, acting during this period will save you from fines, bans, and other penalties. Don’t miss this opportunity—regularize your status today and enjoy peace of mind in the UAE.
Also read: 7 Types of Online Content That Could Land You in Jail in the UAE
Leave a comment