The two-month UAE visa amnesty got underway on September 1, giving another chance to those who stayed back in the UAE longer than they should have legally.
The two-month grace period covers all types of visas, such as expired residence and tourist visas. This means tourist visa holders who stayed back beyond their visa validity and residence visa holders who remained in the country after the expiry of the permit will be able to avail of this service.
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The service will also cover those who were born in the country but did not have the documents to legalize their status.
However, it’s important to note that the amnesty does not cover those who entered the country illegally.
Who can benefit from the amnesty?
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has listed the following categories:
- A person who has stayed in the country even after their visit visa has expired
- A resident who has stayed back after their residence visa expired or was cancelled
- A foreign national whose birth in the country was not registered within four months
- Someone who is reported as absconding from work
Who cannot benefit from amnesty?
- Residence visa and tourist visa violators after September 1, 2024
- Those listed as absent from work legally after September 1, 2024
- People who are listed for deportation from the UAE or other GCC countries
What are the exemptions on fines?
The following fines need not be paid:
- Administrative fines resulting from staying in the country illegally
- Establishment card fines
- Emirates ID fines
- Fines resulting from not having a valid employment contract
Where to apply?
Those who wish to avail of the amnesty service will be able to do so by visiting the official ICP website.
The amnesty was announced in the beginning of August to help violators regularize their status or leave the country without incurring fines.
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