The UAE visa amnesty has announced a two-month visa amnesty starting from September 1, giving people who have overstayed their visas a chance to either change their status or leave the country without paying fines.
Here’s all you need to know about who is eligible, where to apply, and what steps to take.
Who Can Apply for the UAE Visa Amnesty?
The visa amnesty is available for people who are staying in the UAE illegally due to expired visas or other reasons. This includes:
- Residents whose residency visas have expired and who did not renew them.
- Visitors who stayed in the UAE after their visit visas expired.
- Children born in the UAE whose parents did not apply for residency for them.
- People who left their sponsors.
- However, the amnesty does not cover everyone. You cannot apply if:
- You entered the UAE illegally.
- You violated visa rules or fled from your sponsor after September 1.
- You have been deported from the UAE or any other GCC country.
Read Also: A 2024 Guide to Reduce Overstay Fine in Dubai
How Does the UAE Visa Amnesty Work?
The two-month amnesty starts on September 1 and is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). During this period, you can:
- Change your visa status.
- Obtain an exit permit to leave the country.
How Much Does UAE Visa Amnesty Cost?
There is no cost for applying for a change of status or an exit permit, and any fines you owe for overstaying will be waived. However, if you receive an exit permit, you must leave the country within 14 days; otherwise, the fines will be reinstated.
Where Can You Apply for the UAE Amnesty?
Amnesty applications can be processed at specific centers throughout the UAE:
- Abu Dhabi: ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah, as well as recognized private typing centers.
- Dubai: Amer service centers and the Center for Immigration Violators in Al Awir.
- Other Emirates: ICP centers are available in each emirate.
- Service centers will be open daily from 8 am to 8 pm throughout the amnesty period.
Applying For an Exit Permit
If you need an exit permit after staying in the UAE on a visitor visa, you must apply at specific centers: Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah in Abu Dhabi, or the Al Awir center in Dubai.
Special Cases: Children and Visitors
For Children Not Registered in the UAE: Parents must first obtain a passport or travel document for their child and then apply for an exit pass either at an amnesty center or online.
For Visitors Seeking an Exit Permit: Visitors who entered the UAE on a visitor visa and are now seeking to leave must go to specific centers mentioned above, as visitors do not have their fingerprints scanned in the UAE.
When Does the UAE Visa Amnesty End?
The amnesty period is scheduled to end on October 31. However, previous amnesties in the UAE have been extended beyond their initial deadlines, so it is possible that this one may be extended as well.
Purpose of UAE Visa Amnesty
The visa amnesty helps people who have stayed in the UAE without valid documents to come forward without fear of heavy fines or legal trouble. It allows them to either regularize their stay in the country or return to their home countries safely. This helps the government ensure that everyone living in the UAE is doing so legally.
Additional Support
To help people benefit from the amnesty, the ICP has coordinated with UAE airlines to offer discounted tickets for those who wish to leave the country after waiving their fines.
Read Also: UAE New Visa Rules to Avoid Penalties and Deportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there any amnesty in the UAE in 2024?
Yes, the UAE has announced a visa amnesty from September 1 to October 31, 2024. This allows people with expired visas or those staying illegally to change their status or leave the country without paying fines.
Q. How to apply for amnesty 2024?
To apply for the amnesty, visit designated centers like ICP centers in Abu Dhabi, Amer centers in Dubai, or other ICP centers in the UAE. You can also use recognized private typing centers. The service centers are open from 8 am to 8 pm daily during the amnesty period.
Q. What is the new amnesty in UAE?
The 2024 visa amnesty in the UAE allows residents and visitors with expired visas to regularize their status or exit the country without penalties. It covers people who overstayed their visas, children without residency permits, and those who left their sponsors.
Q. Where to apply for amnesty?
You can apply at ICP centers in Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, Al Shahamah), Amer service centers in Dubai, the Al Awir center in Dubai, and other ICP centers across the UAE.
Q. What is the Amnesty Scholarship Program 2024?
There is no specific “Amnesty Scholarship Program 2024” related to the UAE’s visa amnesty. The term may refer to other unrelated scholarship programs or initiatives.
Q. How do you get amnesty?
To get amnesty, visit the designated centers during the amnesty period, provide necessary documents, and complete the application process. The amnesty allows you to change your visa status or obtain an exit permit without incurring fines.
Final Thoughts
The UAE visa amnesty is a valuable opportunity for those who have overstayed their visas or are living in the country without proper documentation to resolve their status without facing penalties. With clear guidelines and designated centers throughout the Emirates, the process is designed to be accessible and straightforward. Whether you plan to stay in the UAE legally or return to your home country, now is the time to take action. Don’t miss this chance to start afresh—ensure you apply before the amnesty ends on October 31.
