A two-month amnesty for holders of expired residency permits will begin in the UAE in September. This will allow individuals to renew their status or leave the country without incurring any penalties. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced this on Thursday.
The authority stated that the grace period is intended to help those with expired documents to “regularize their status.”
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) seeks to give violators a chance to comply with the law, reflecting the UAE’s values of compassion and tolerance.
A similar visa amnesty scheme was held from August to December 2018, allowing 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 conducted in 2007 and 2013.
Who can benefit from this?
There are various reasons why individuals might stay in the country without proper documentation. Some may be avoiding detection, while others might have lost their sponsors due to job loss, business closure, or marital issues.
A charity organization in the UAE praised the amnesty, highlighting reasons 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 aimed at freelancers and entrepreneurs. The 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 cancelled to either leave the country or adjust their status by securing employment.
