In September, the UAE will begin a two-month visa amnesty for individuals with expired residency permits. This amnesty will allow people to renew their status or leave the country without penalties, as announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) on Thursday.
Purpose of the Amnesty
The ICP explained that the grace period aims to help those with expired documents “regularize their status.” The initiative reflects the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance, providing violators a chance to comply with the law.
Past Amnesty Programs
A similar visa amnesty took place from August to December 2018, enabling residents who had overstayed or entered the country illegally to either return home or legally extend their stay without fear of fines or imprisonment. Similar initiatives were also conducted in 2007 and 2013.
Who Can Benefit?
Various individuals can benefit from this amnesty. Some people might stay in the country without proper documentation to avoid detection, while others might have lost their sponsors due to job loss, business closure, or marital issues. A UAE charity organization praised the amnesty, highlighting why foreign nationals might remain without a residency permit.
Visa Rules
Most people working or residing in the UAE hold visas valid for two or three years, with the Emirates ID now serving as a replacement. In April 2022, the UAE Cabinet updated immigration regulations. Introducing new categories like green and golden visas for freelancers and entrepreneurs. These new regulations took effect in September 2022.
Visa Overstay Penalty
In October 2022, the ICP standardized the financial penalty for visitors or residents overstaying their visas at Dh50 per day. Residency visa holders have six months after their visa expires or is canceled to either leave the country or adjust their status by securing employment.
