UAE extends visa amnesty programme for two more months

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security announced on Thursday the extension of the UAE visa amnesty programme for two months, with the new deadline ending on December 31, 2024.

The scheme began on September 1 and was originally scheduled to conclude on October 31.

Thousands of residents have taken advantage of this opportunity to regularise their visa status, with government authorities waiving millions in fines for overstayers.

This programme gave hopes to people living illegally in the country who could now choose to leave without any penalties or convert their visa into a residency visa if they are hired.

Lenient offer

Authorities have repeatedly stressed that once the amnesty scheme is over, heavy penalties will be imposed on overstayers and those who employ them.

The ICP added there will be deportations and tightening of measures with inclusion of violators on the no-entry list.

Maj-Gen Sultan Al Nuaimi, ICP director-general, said: "This extention (extra two-month visa amnesty programme which will start from November 1) is the golden and final opportunity for individuals to adjust their situations."

“There will be no leniency, and there will be no court proceedings," he added.

According to Al Nuaimi, “An overwhelming number of cases have been received, and many have had their situations adjusted during this period.”

Authorities are monitoring the violators' locations and will impose fines and deport them from the country with no possibility of entering the UAE unless fines are settled.

They urged those who have received exit permits to leave before the deadline, as some have not yet departed.

The total number of people who have adjusted their status within the amnesty programme will be announced after completion. Many individuals with special circumstances were assisted by airlines, either through ticket discounts or even free tickets.

This amnesty has been one of the most lenient one offered by the UAE as it gives overstayers the chance to either legalise their status or leave the country without bans.