As details of the two-month UAE visa amnesty were announced, the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi said it will be taking some key measures to help Indian nationals who wish to avail of the benefits of the amnesty scheme.
The embassy said that applicants in Abu Dhabi can approach any of the BLS centers in Al Reem, Musaffah and Al Ain as walk-ins to apply for travel documents, without the need of a prior appointment.
Emergency certificates
Moreover, emergency certificates will be issued for applicants who wish to return to India.
These emergency certificates can be collected from the Consular Office, Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi (101,102, Ist Floor, Guaridan Tower, Al Saadah Zone I) between 4pm and 6pm within 24 hours of their submission of application, the embassy said.
Regularizing status
Applicants who wish to regularize their residency status may apply for short-validity passport at the BLS centers in Al Reem, Musaffah and Al Ain. These centers will remain operational on all Sundays from 9am to 5pm during the amnesty period.
What is the two-month amnesty period?
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has revealed details of the two-month UAE visa 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.
During this period, six different types of services will be available for four target groups for status adjustment. Moreover, those who wish to leave the country will receive 14-day departure permits.
More importantly, 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.
Also, family members will be able to adjust their status without any legal or financial penalties.
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