The United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa amnesty programme, which began on September 1, has been extended by two more months, allowing violators to adjust their visa status or leave without fines.
This move, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), was initially set to end on Thursday, October 31, but now the deadline is Tuesday, December 31.
In a statement, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said that this decision aligns with the country’s 53rd Union Day celebrations and reflects the country’s humanitarian values, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
This initiative also responds to appeals from violators seeking to settle their status by leaving the country or obtaining an employment contract, amending their residency and remaining in the country.
He said that, “The extension is the last opportunity for overstayers to regularise their stay in the UAE without having a ban.”
Al Khaili reported a significant increase in the amnesty period over the past two months, with violators taking advantage of the benefits offered.
He noted that the ICP and its strategic partners aim to overcome obstacles and find solutions for certain violators, utilizing their legal powers.
He confirmed that this is the last extension for this initiative and the fines will be automatically listed on January 1, 2025.
Employers in the UAE are advised against hiring overstayers and visa violators, as they may face a Dirham one million fine.
This year marked the fourth amnesty programme launched by the UAE government since 2007.
The last amnesty was six years ago, 90 days from August 1 to October 31, 2018, but was extended until December 31 for more visa violators.
