UAE Visa Violators Amnesty: What You Need to Know

The UAE has launched a groundbreaking visa amnesty programme, offering relief to those residing illegally in the country. From September 1 to October 30, 2024, individuals have a unique opportunity to either regularise their legal status or exit the UAE without facing penalties. 

This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to compassionate immigration solutions while providing a fresh start for those seeking to comply with residency laws. Whether you’re looking to stay or depart, the amnesty period is a lifeline not to be missed.

How Does the UAE Visa Amnesty Support Visa Over-Stayers?

The UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 offers significant relief to individuals who have overstayed beyond the standard six-month grace period. 

This initiative provides a crucial opportunity to regularize their legal status without facing fines, in line with the UAE’s expired residence visa grace period policies. 

It serves as a lifeline for overstayers, enabling them to comply with the UAE visa regulations and secure their future in the country.

Categories Outlined

Residency violators: These are individuals whose residence visa has expired and who do not hold a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Staying in the country: If you plan to continue working in the UAE, your new employer must apply for a work permit either through MOHRE or the appropriate authority, depending on the company’s affiliation. If you intend to stay with your current employer, your residency must be renewed through ICP.

Leaving the country: To exit the UAE, you will need to apply for an exit permit.

Steps to Follow

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has outlined the steps for amnesty seekers based on their visa type and whether they plan to remain in the UAE or leave the country.

Individuals with Expired Work Permits:

These are individuals whose residency and work permits, issued by MOHRE as private sector or domestic workers, have expired.

• Staying with current employer: Your employer must renew your work permit.
• Changing employers: Your new employer will need to apply for a new work permit.
• Leaving the country: You will need to apply for an exit permit.

Visit Visa Violators:

These are individuals who have overstayed the duration of their visit visa.

• Staying in the country: If you intend to work in the UAE, your new employer must apply for a work permit through MOHRE or the appropriate authority.
• Leaving the country: You will need to apply for an exit permit.

Absconding Workers:

These are individuals whose residency has expired but still hold a valid work permit issued by MOHRE, either as private sector or domestic workers, with a pending absconding complaint filed against them.

• Staying with current employer: If the work permit has expired, the employer can renew it through MOHRE without needing to cancel the absconding complaint. If the work permit is still valid, the employer must cancel the absconding complaint.
• Changing employers: The new employer must apply for a new work permit through MOHRE or the relevant authority, depending on the company’s affiliation.
• Leaving the country: You will need to apply for an exit permit.

How to Apply for an Exit Permit

To apply for an exit permit, you can visit an ICP service centre or an Amer centre in Dubai. 

To obtain an exit permit, you’ll need to pay a fee of AED 220 and purchase your own air ticket to your home country. Additionally, you must present your original passport or an Emergency Certificate (EC).

Remember, you must leave the UAE within 10 days of receiving the exit permit.

If your fingerprint is not already in the ICP system, you will need to visit one of the following locations based on your visa’s issuing emirate:

• Abu Dhabi visas: Service centres equipped with biometric fingerprint devices in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, or Al Shahama.
• Dubai visas: Amer centres or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Al Aweer Centre.
• Visas from other emirates: Any service centre with biometric fingerprint devices.