The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a visa amnesty program to allow undocumented residents to either legalize their status or leave the country without facing penalties. This initiative, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), will run from September 1 to October 31, 2024, as reported by VisaGuide.World.
People who choose to leave the UAE within these two months won’t be charged overstay fines, exit fees, or entrance prohibitions, which means they can come back later with valid visas and documentation. According to UAE officials, the initiative fosters “social cohesion, tolerance, respect for the law, and compassion.”
Eligibility for the Visa Amnesty Program
All visa categories—including tourist and expired residential visas—are covered under the amnesty. Those who have fled from their sponsors or those who were born without the required paperwork are both qualified to apply and get their status restored. However, this scheme is not available to anybody who entered the UAE illegally, broke residency or visa regulations after September 1, 2024, or who risk deportation from the UAE or any other GCC nation.
Application Process
Online or in-person submissions are accepted for applications. Applications are accepted at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) center in Al Awir or at any Amer center in Dubai. Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama facilities in Abu Dhabi are accepting applications. To make the procedure easier, these centers will be open later than usual, from 7:00 to 22:00, and offer biometric fingerprinting.
As an alternative, applications are accepted online 24/7; nevertheless, biometric fingerprinting requires an in-person visit to a service location.
The visa amnesty program is in line with the UAE’s goal of promoting a lawful, tolerant, and caring society while providing undocumented people with a substantial opportunity to change their status without facing consequences.