UAE Visa Amnesty: Get to Waive Off Penalties and Start Fresh

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again provided a ‘migrant welcome’ to those who have overstayed or stayed illegally in the country. The UAE visa amnesty program, a recurring initiative, is a golden chance for people to legalize their status back without much fines and legal complications.

For many, the UAE Amnesty 2024 is the only hope and it provides the opportunity to either leave the country and avoid the fines or stay legally by changing the type of visa to legal status.

UAE Amnesty 2024 is the latest iteration of the humanitarian initiative. It enables people who have overstayed their visas to come forward to exit the country without penalties and fines or stay back in UAE legally. It is extremely useful to people who live in constant fear of deportation or people who cannot receive the most essential services because of their illegal status.

In this guide, we will brief you on everything you need to know about the UAE amnesty such as how to apply, who is eligible for application, and where you need to go to waive your illegal status.

What are the eligibility criteria for UAE Amnesty 2024?

People with expired residency visas, visitors who overstayed their visit visas, and children born in the UAE but whose parents never got them residency permits. However, those who entered the country illegally or violated the visa rules are not eligible after September 1, 2024. People who were previously deported from UAE or other GCC countries are also excluded.

How to apply for Amnesty in UAE

The process of applying for Amnesty UAE is not a complicated one, but it is advisable to pay attention especially to secure the best results. Here is a general guide:

• Necessary Documents:
• Valid passport
• Expired visa or residence permit
• Proof of identity (Emirates ID, if available)

Visit the Nearest Immigration Office:

• Check the official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website for specific locations.

Submit Your Application:

• Fill out the necessary forms and provide the required documents.
• Explain your situation to the immigration officer.

Choose Your Option:

• Exit the country without penalties.
• Adjust your status to remain legal.

Locations for amnesty applications include ICP centers in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama, as well as Amer service centers and the immigration violators’ center in Al Awir in Dubai. Recognized typing centers also assist in form submissions.

Amnesty Dubai: What You Need to Know

Dubai, being one of the most popular emirates for expatriates, often sees a high number of amnesty applicants. The main Amnesty Dubai center is the Al Awir district in Dubai, Amer centers also offer these services. You should note that appointment and waiting time may take hours therefore it is wise to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order before visiting the centers and avoid long waiting hours.

As amnesty centers in Al Dhafra and Al Awir have no biometric data, such as fingerprints, these centers will be suitable for tourists or visitors who have arrived in the UAE on a tourist visa and now require an exit permit.

Costs and Benefits of UAE Amnesty

One of the most significant benefits of amnesty is that there are no costs involved in changing your status or obtaining an exit permit. Additionally, all fines for overstaying will be waived. This amnesty ensures that individuals can leave the country without facing bans, or regularize their status and remain legally in the UAE.

Another significant gain that amnesty has is that you do not need to pay anything to transform your status or acquire an exit permit. Additionally, all the penalties for overstaying will also not be charged. This amnesty allows people to travel out of the country without being subjected to bans or legalizing their status to enable them to stay legally in the UAE.

Other benefits include:

• Waiver of fines and penalties
• Freedom to exit without a re-entry ban
• The chance to continue living in the UAE legally
• Access to legal employment opportunities
• Peace of mind, free from deportation fears

How to Check Your Visa Status (ICP Visa Status)

When applying for amnesty you need to ensure your current ICP visa status. The ICP provides an online platform to check this:

• Go to the official ICP website.
• Proceed to the section of the site that deals with visa status checks.
• Provide your passport number and other required details.

UAE Amnesty 2024 Latest News

As of the visa news in UAE, the UAE government has officially announced the amnesty program for two months starting from September 1st. These two months are a golden chance to legalize and stay in the country or fly to your homeland.

The 2018 UAE visa amnesty program was a success, with over 105,000 individuals benefiting. More than 30,000 people received exit permits after their fines were waived, while thousands renewed their visas or changed their status from illegal to legal. The program also opened the door for job seekers to find employment opportunities without facing legal obstacles.

Why UAE Amnesty Matters

The UAE's rapid population growth and changes in visa regulations make the amnesty programs essential for ensuring that all residents live and work legally. The introduction of Golden Visas and Green Visas has expanded visa categories, making it easier for self-employed individuals and business owners to stay in the country legally.

For those who find themselves in violation of visa rules, the amnesty provides a unique opportunity to rectify their status without facing penalties.

As the centers of Amnesty are in different parts of the UAE, you can rent a car in Dubai for the convenience of traveling and make the process easy from reputed companies like Beno.