The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has revealed details of the two-month amnesty that is set to begin from September 1.
The two-month grace period will cover all types of visas, such as expired residence and tourist visas, the authority said. 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.
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.
Key highlights
During a press conference, the ICP outlined some of the highlights of the amnesty scheme:
- Six different types of services will be available for four target groups for status adjustment.
- 14-day departure permits will be issued.
- As many as five types of fines and five types of fees will be waived, and violators will have the option to leave without a travel ban. These include Emirates ID fines and residence and visa cancellation fee, among others.
- Family members will be able to adjust their status without any legal or financial penalties.
- Fingerprint centers will run for extended hours, until 10pm, to facilitate legalization of status.
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.
The initiative aims to provide violators with a new opportunity to regularise their status in accordance with the law, considering their circumstances, the authority said. It also reflects the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance, the ICP added.
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