Starting 1 September 2024, the UAE will launch a two-month visa amnesty program, offering a vital opportunity for individuals staying illegally in the country to rectify their status or depart without facing fines. This initiative, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), is designed to help those with expired visas either regularise their residency or leave the UAE without incurring any overstay fines or exit fees.
The amnesty will run until 30 October 2024 and during this period, individuals with expired residency visas, overstayed visit visas, or those who fled from their sponsors can take advantage of this program.
Additionally, foreign-born children who have not been registered for residency by their parents are also eligible. Importantly, the program excludes those who entered the UAE illegally; such individuals will still be subject to applicable UAE laws.
For those wishing to apply, the process is straightforward. In Dubai, applications can be submitted at any Amer centre or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai centre located in Al Awir. In Abu Dhabi, applications can be made at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama. Extended service hours from 7am to 10pm will be in place to accommodate applicants and biometric fingerprinting will be required.
Applicants also have the option to handle their submissions online through ICP’s electronic and smart channels or approved typing centres, reducing the need for in-person visits except for biometric processing. This flexible approach aims to ease the process for those needing to take advantage of the amnesty.
For more information, visit ICP's website.