The UAE has introduced a special visa amnesty program to help illegal residents return to their home countries. The program offers discounted flight tickets to those who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration rules, making it easier for them to leave the country without facing heavy penalties.
This initiative, led by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), is being carried out in partnership with major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia. The aim is to reduce the financial burden on people who are struggling and want to return home but may not have the money to do so.
Key Details of the Amnesty Program
The visa amnesty program will last for two months, from September 1 to October 30, 2024. During this time, overstaying residents can benefit from discounted airfares when leaving the UAE. The amnesty is open to anyone who has overstayed a tourist or residency visa or has committed other visa violations. However, this scheme isn’t available to people who entered the UAE illegally.
Maj-Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, the deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, confirmed the launch of the program. He emphasized that the goal is to help residents who are facing financial difficulties and want to leave the UAE under the amnesty, without having to pay large fines or face travel restrictions.
Who Is Eligible for Amnesty?
The amnesty program is available to a wide range of people, including –
- Those with expired tourist visas
- Residents with expired residency visas
- Individuals who were born in the UAE without proper documentation
- People who have run away from their sponsors or employers
It’s crucial to remember that this amnesty will not apply to anyone who entered the UAE illegally. The government has made it clear that the program is meant to help those who entered the country legally but overstayed their visa or violated their immigration terms.
What Benefits Does the Amnesty Offer?
One of the main benefits of the UAE visa amnesty program is that those who choose to leave the country during this period will not have to pay overstay fines, exit fees, or any other penalties. This can be a significant financial relief for people who have been in the country illegally for a long time and have accumulated large fines. Additionally, residents who leave under the amnesty will not face an entry ban, meaning they can return to the UAE in the future if they meet the visa requirements.
By offering discounted airfare, the program makes it even easier for illegal residents to return home. The UAE has worked with major airlines to provide these cheaper tickets, and the airlines have welcomed the initiative.
How to Apply for the Amnesty Program
To take advantage of the amnesty program, residents will need to apply for an exit permit. The process depends on whether the person has biometric records on file in the UAE.
- For individuals with biometric records – They can apply for the exit permit online.
- For those without biometric records – They will need to visit one of the designated ICP centers to complete the fingerprinting process.
The exit permit issued through the program is valid for 14 days, giving residents a two-week window to leave the country. It’s important to note that anyone who fails to leave the UAE within this 14-day grace period will have to pay fines and may face travel restrictions in the future.
The ICP has set up offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates to help process these applications and make it as easy as possible for people to benefit from the program.
Why Is Amnesty Important?
This visa amnesty is a critical opportunity for many people living in the UAE illegally. Overstaying a visa can lead to large fines, legal issues, and the risk of being permanently banned from returning to the country. The amnesty offers a chance for these individuals to leave the UAE without facing these severe consequences. Additionally, it provides them with the opportunity to return in the future, if they meet the legal requirements.
The discounted airfares are another major benefit. Many people who have overstayed their visas are often in difficult financial situations, and the cost of leaving the country can be a significant obstacle. By working with airlines to offer cheaper tickets, the UAE government is making it easier for these residents to go home.
A Collaborative Effort with Airlines
The success of the visa amnesty program heavily depends on the support of the major airlines operating in the UAE. Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia have all agreed to offer reduced ticket prices to people leaving the UAE under the amnesty. These airlines are playing a crucial role in ensuring that those who need to return home can do so at a more affordable price.
This collaboration highlights the commitment of both the government and the private sector to help people who are in difficult situations.
Encouragement to Use the Amnesty
The UAE government is urging all eligible residents to make the most of this amnesty program. It’s a rare opportunity to leave the country without facing heavy fines or long-term travel restrictions. For many, this is a chance to clear their record and return to their home country without any legal complications.
The amnesty is a gesture of goodwill from the UAE government, aimed at helping those who are in difficult circumstances. By offering both legal relief and financial support, the program is providing a clear path forward for residents who have overstayed their visas.
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