The UAE has launched a new Visa Amnesty Program, offering individuals a rare opportunity to clear their immigration records without paying fines or facing legal consequences. This limited-time initiative is specifically designed to help those who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration laws. If you’re eligible, you can either leave the UAE without a travel ban or apply for new residency to stay legally. Here’s everything you need to know about the program and how to benefit from it.
Table of Contents:
- What is the UAE Residency Amnesty Program?
- Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria
- Who is Not Covered by the Amnesty Program?
- Benefits of the Amnesty Program
- How to Apply for the UAE Residency Amnesty Program
- Specific Provisions for Different Categories
- Why You Should Act Now
- How Can We Help?
What is the UAE Residency Amnesty Program?
The UAE Residency Amnesty Program is a government initiative launched to assist individuals who have overstayed their visas or violated residency laws to regularize their status without facing hefty fines or legal consequences. The program is designed to provide relief to various categories of violators and offers a unique chance for eligible individuals to either leave the UAE without penalties or stay legally by securing new residency.
- Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria
The Visa Amnesty Program runs from September 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024. It applies to several categories of individuals who have violated immigration laws:
Residence Violators
- Who qualifies?
Individuals who have overstayed their residence visas in the UAE.
Visa Violators
- Who qualifies?
People who have breached the terms and conditions of their visa.
Absconders
- Who qualifies?
Individuals reported as absconding by their employers or sponsors.
Foreigners Born in the UAE Without Documentation
- Who qualifies?
Individuals born in the UAE who never obtained proper residency documentation.
- Who is Not Covered by the Amnesty Program?
The following groups are not eligible for the UAE Visa Amnesty Program:
- New Violators: Individuals who violate immigration laws after September 1, 2024.
- Those with Deportation Orders: People who have already received a deportation decision.
- Benefits of the Amnesty Program
The UAE Residency Amnesty Program offers significant benefits, including:
- No Fines or Penalties: Eligible individuals can clear their immigration records without paying fines.
- No Legal Consequences: Those who qualify will not face jail time or deportation.
- Travel Freedom: People who opt to leave the UAE can do so without a travel ban, meaning they can return in the future.
- Residency Option: Individuals who want to stay in the UAE can apply for new residency status legally.
- How to Apply for the UAE Residency Amnesty Program
Eligible individuals can apply through various channels to regularize their status:
Online Platforms:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP): Visit the ICP website to apply for the amnesty program.
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE): Use the MOHRE portal for work-related residency violations.
Service Centers:
- Visit designated ICP or MOHRE centers, specific business service centers, or domestic workers’ service centers located across the UAE.
E-Channels:
- Utilize the ICP and MOHRE e-channels and mobile apps to complete your application remotely.
For those who haven’t registered their biometric data, fingerprinting will be required at approved centers. You can find the list of these centers on the ICP website.
- Specific Provisions for Different Categories
Foreigners Born in the UAE Without Papers:
Individuals born in the UAE but who never obtained proper residency documentation can now clear their record without facing fines. They have the option to either:
- Leave the UAE without a travel ban.
- Stay in the UAE by applying for a new residency visa under the sponsorship of a family member or guarantor.
Employees with Residency Violations:
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) is managing the amnesty cases for both private sector and domestic employees. The program allows:
- Lifting of Abscondment Complaints: Employers or sponsors can retract abscondment reports, enabling the employee to regularize their status.
- Employees can either exit the UAE without a travel ban or apply for a new residence visa to stay in the country.
- Why You Should Act Now
The UAE Visa Amnesty Program is a limited-time opportunity running only from September 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024. This is a rare chance to resolve any immigration issues without the burden of fines or legal action. Eligible individuals should act quickly to take advantage of this unique offer, as it provides an opportunity to start fresh and regain legal residency in the UAE or leave without future travel restrictions.
How Can We Help?
The UAE’s Residency Amnesty Program offers a compassionate and comprehensive solution for individuals facing immigration issues. Whether you’re an overstayer, a visa violator, or someone born in the UAE without proper documentation, this is your chance to clear your record and start anew. By regularizing your status, you can either remain in the UAE legally or leave without a travel ban.
For personalized assistance in navigating the amnesty process and ensuring all legal formalities are handled correctly, Raes Associates is here to help. As one of the leading business setup consultants in Dubai, Raes Associates provides expert guidance for individuals and businesses seeking to resolve their immigration matters efficiently. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—let Raes Associates support you in securing your future today!
