Updated: 26 February 2025, 06:41 am
|||The UAE is home to a thriving economy, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and expats from all over the world. Many choose to settle in the UAE for its high standard of living, secure environment, and business opportunities. However, if you’re an expat who has overstayed your visa or entered the country without proper documentation, you may face hefty fines and a permanent ban from the UAE.
The good news is that the UAE government has recently announced an extension of the Visa Amnesty program, giving individuals more time to regularize their stay or exit the country without facing penalties. Originally scheduled to end earlier, the program has now been extended until December 31, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for those who may have unintentionally violated visa laws or are struggling to comply due to financial or personal circumstances.
In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about the UAE Visa Amnesty program, how it works, and how you can take advantage of this extended opportunity.
What is UAE Visa Amnesty?
The UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 is a government initiative designed to help expats who are living in the UAE illegally or have overstayed their visas. The program allows individuals to regularize their status and gain legal residency or leave the country without facing fines. This is a valuable opportunity for those who may have unintentionally violated visa laws.
How Does the UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 Support Over-stayers?
The UAE visa amnesty program helps overstayed expats regularize their visa status or leave the country without facing a fine for the violation. This initiative offers an opportunity to people who violate the visa rules in the UAE and helps them resolve the issues safely with a legal approach.
What Does the 2024 UAE Visa Amnesty Program Offer?
The main objective of UAE Visa Amnesty is to regularize the status of overstayers by allowing them to leave the country or secure employment opportunities with legal approval without any penalties, giving them a chance to start over.
Why Is the Amnesty Being Offered Now?
The UAE government has always followed a balanced approach, considering human circumstances while maintaining strict laws. The 2024 Visa Amnesty reflects a compassionate response to individuals who, for various reasons, may have overstayed their visas unintentionally. The UAE’s commitment to supporting its residents, including those facing financial or personal challenges, is evident in this extension.
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UAE Visa Amnesty: Program Details
Key Dates for the UAE Visa Amnesty Program
The UAE Visa Amnesty program will be active from September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Initially, the program was slated for a two-month period, but it has now been extended, giving more people the chance to regularize their stay or exit the country.
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UAE Visa Amnesty: Grace Period
During the 2-month grace period, the Federal Authority for Identity, Customs & Port Security (ICP) will provide the following services: Citizenship will be offered to individuals.
Services Offered During the Two-Month Grace Period
During the Amnesty, the UAE government offers several key services:
- Exemption from Fines: No penalties for overstaying or having expired documents.
- Visa Regularization: You can apply for a new visa, renew an expired one, or regularize your residency status.
- Exit Permits: For those who wish to leave the country, a 14-day exit permit will be issued without penalties.
- Support for Special Cases: Those with lost passports or complicated visa issues can receive assistance.
UAE Visa Amnesty in 2024: Application Details
Who can apply for the UAE Visa Amnesty: Eligibility?
The program is available to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Expats whose visas have expired.
- Those who have overstayed due to personal or financial difficulties.
- Individuals wishing to regularize their visa status or leave the country.
However, individuals involved in serious crimes or illegal activities are excluded from the program.
Who Are Excluded from this Visa Amnesty Scheme?
- Individuals in serious offenses, criminal endeavors, or outstanding legal issues are excluded.
- Individuals are excluded if they violate UAE immigration laws
- Repeated offenders who benefited from past amnesty
How to apply for UAE Visa Amnesty? Step by step
- Check Your Visa Status: Confirm your visa status through official UAE immigration portals.
- Visit an Amnesty Center: Take your documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Submit Your Application: Depending on your situation, you can renew your visa, apply for a new one, or request an exit permit.
- Stay Updated: Track your application status to ensure smooth processing.
How can you avail 2024 Visa Amnesty in the UAE?
If you are currently overstaying or have an expired visa in the UAE, you can take advantage of the 2024 Visa Amnesty program by following these simple steps:
- Visit Amnesty Centers: Go to one of the designated amnesty centers across the UAE to begin the process.
- Pay AED 220: This fee covers the cost of the exit permit.
- Purchase an Air Ticket: Ensure you have a valid air ticket to your home country.
- Present Your Documents: Show your original passport or an emergency certificate.
Once you receive the exit permit, you must leave the UAE within ten days. Importantly, if you exit under the amnesty, you will not be stamped with a ‘no entry’ status, meaning you can return to the UAE in the future with a valid visa.
UAE Visa Amnesty 2024: Fees
UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 offers a fee waiver for individuals, particularly those who want to exit the UAE. However, individuals who want to regularize their visas or apply for new ones may need to pay an application fee, but it is affordable to ensure that the maximum number of individuals can benefit from this program.
Jobs available for UAE Visa Amnesty workers
If you wish to remain in the UAE and regularize your visa status, the amnesty program opens up numerous job opportunities in various sectors, such as hospitality, construction, and more. Employers across the UAE are actively seeking workers, and this program offers a pathway for individuals to secure employment and stabilize their status.
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UAE visa amnesty program: Guidelines issued for Indian nationals
Indian citizens make up a significant portion of the expatriate community in the UAE, and they can benefit from the UAE Visa Amnesty program by following specific guidelines issued by the Indian consulate. Here are some key points Indian citizens should consider to take advantage of this program:
- Register at Amnesty Centers: Indian citizens must visit the authorized amnesty centers in the UAE to submit their applications.
- Verify Documents: They should ensure that all required documents, such as the original passport or an emergency certificate, are provided.
- Follow Up with the Indian Consulate: Indian citizens can contact the consulate for support if there are any issues related to their legal status.
- Adhere to the Deadline: Beneficiaries must leave the country or regularize their legal status within the time frame set by the UAE authorities.
Rules of the UAE visa amnesty program for Indians
- Exit Option: Indian nationals wishing to exit the UAE can apply for an emergency certificate through the Indian consulate.
- Stay Option: Those wishing to regularize their status and stay in the UAE can apply for a short-validity passport.
- The emergency certificate can be issued free of charge at the consulate.
- Certificates can be collected from the Indian Consulate between 2 PM and 4 PM.
- To apply for a valid passport, Indian nationals can visit any BLS center in Dubai or the Northern Emirates without an appointment.
During the amnesty period, BLS centers will operate from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Details of contact points for Indians
For those seeking assistance, facilitation counters will be available starting September 2, 2024, from 8 AM to 6 PM at the Indian Consulate and the Awir Immigration Center in Dubai. Indian nationals can also contact the PBSK Helpline at 800-46342 (24/7) or connect with community organizations for detailed guidance.
How has the Visa Amnesty Program been received so far?
Since its inception, the UAE Visa Amnesty program has been met with positive feedback. Many individuals facing visa-related issues due to unforeseen challenges such as job loss or financial difficulties have found relief through this initiative. The recent extension from October 31, 2024 to December 31, 2024 has been widely welcomed. This additional time ensures more individuals can take advantage of the program and regularize their status or exit the UAE without penalties.
The amnesty has been seen as a compassionate move by the UAE government, reflecting the country’s commitment to supporting residents during challenging times.
Conclusion
For individuals struggling with overstays, expired visas, or the complexities of visa procedures, the UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 program offers a vital second chance. This initiative allows people to regularize their status or exit the country without hefty fines or penalties. We hope this guide has clarified the procedures and the benefits of participating in the program. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact us via email for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can you apply for a visa amnesty in Abu Dhabi?
You can apply at ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, AI Maqam, AI Shahamah in Abu Dhabi, Al Awir and Amer Centers in Dubai, and other ICP centers available in the Emirates.
- How much does the UAE Visa Amnesty application cost?
Applying for an exit permit is affordable, and there are no application fees. Most services under the UAE Visa Amnesty 2024 program offer zero application fees, fee waivers, and no penalties.
- Is the application procedure different if applying for an exit permit?
You can apply for exit permits online, but you should go for biometric fingerprinting at designated ICP centers in the UAE.
- What about children who are living in the UAE but not registered?
The parents must get the child’s passport or travel documents without registration for children living in the UAE. They can approach an amnesty center or apply online to get an exit pass for the children. If parents are staying illegally, they can change their status and regularize or amend the children’s status without any fee.
- When does the amnesty end?
It is scheduled to end on 31 December 2024 (Recently updated). However, the earlier initiative was extended to three months by several weeks, but once we hear the announcement, we will still determine this year.
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- Why is there a need for a visa amnesty?
There is a need for visa amnesty as many individuals are not intentionally overstaying or living illegally in the UAE. They are facing real issues, like financial issues. The government’s compassionate move will help the needy get a chance to regularize or exit the UAE without massive fines and fees.
- What are the visa overstay rules?
If your visa is overstayed, you must pay an overstay fine of AED 50 per day for all kinds of visas, including residence, visitor, and tourist visas. This fine was standardized in October 2022. But now, the UAE visa amnesty program offers a fee waiver, allowing individuals to regularize or exit the country without any fee.
- What kind of demand is there for the amnesty?
There is a significant demand for visa amnesty in 2024, as this program will benefit individuals who face visa issues due to job loss or financial challenges.
- Who can benefit from the UAE visa amnesty 2024?
Any individual living in the UAE with an expired visa is eligible for this program.
- What’s the duration of the grace period for residence visa violators?
2 month grace period is offered in the visa amnesty program to renew or exit from the country or to adjust the status within the country.
- What if I don’t use the amnesty?
If you don’t care about the visa amnesty program, though you are staying illegally in UAE, you could face huge fines, legal troubles, and even deportation.
- Can I apply for amnesty from outside the UAE?
Yes, you can apply online from outside the UAE. However, you must coordinate with the UAE consulate or embassy in your current location.
- How can I confirm if my visa is eligible for amnesty?
You can check your status using the UAE’s official immigration website or contact the GDFRA to determine your eligibility and status.
- What are the working hours of the Amnesty service centers?
Facilitation counters are arranged at the consulate general and Awir immigration center in Dubai. They will stay operational from 8 AM to 6 PM daily until the amnesty period.
- What happens if I cannot settle my status within the specified amnesty period?
You may face huge fines or penalties from the UAE government if you do not resolve your status within the grace period the government offers. Legal action may also be taken against you over time.
- What should I do if I have lost my passport and want to apply for the UAE Visa Amnesty?
You must contact your embassy to get the temporary travel documents before applying for the amnesty program.
- How should a violator with traffic violations and vehicle licensing issues proceed if they want to leave the country?
The traffic violations must be settled before you apply for the exit permit under the UAE Amnesty Program 2024. You aren’t eligible for the program if you cannot resolve the violations you made or are suggested to leave the vehicle to leave the country.
- How can a family’s status be adjusted if the head of the family is a wanted person or a visa violator?
If the head of the family is a wanted person or absconder, they are listed under the report of interruption of work. After clearing up their violations, they can approach the amnesty and check their eligibility. The ID can change the status if the particular violation type can be cleared up in the morning. Just visit the embassy or amnesty centers to resolve the issues.
- Where can I complete biometric fingerprinting for the UAE visa amnesty in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & other emirates?
Biometric fingerprinting can be completed in a grace period offered at specific ICP centers based on where your visa was issued. Here is the list you can go through.
- Abu Dhabi – Visit AI Dhafra, Suwaihan, AI Maqam, & AI Shahama for biometric fingerprinting.
- Dubai: GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) center in Al Awir.
- Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah
- How can the status of violators sponsored by trouble companies be adjusted?
Yes, most people approach amnesty. In this case, they can find new opportunities to regularize their visa status or exit the country with the help of the amnesty program UAE 2024.
