The UAE announced a visa amnesty program in August. The program started on September 1st and will last for two months. This program helps people who have stayed in the UAE longer than their visas allow. The amnesty scheme will help immigrants fix their visa status or leave the country without paying fines or deportation.

On the first day of the program, many people went to immigration centers to take advantage of it. Some people even got job offers and had their fines forgiven. Hence, we can say that the program is very helpful for people who have been living in the UAE illegally.

Let’s explore in detail how the first day of the Amnesty scheme was and how it helped UAE expats.

UAE Visa Amnesty Offers New Hope for Overstaying Expats

On September 1st, many expats went to government offices to fix their visa status. There were long lines as people tried to avoid fines. People felt hopeful because they saw a chance to stop living illegally. The long queues and crowded Amer center in the Dubai Airport Freezone showed it was the busiest Sunday in a long time.

Many people were hoping to go back home because of the amnesty program. They have been overstaying for over a year and have fines.

While talking to Khaleej Times, a Ugandan expat said he lost his job because of health issues. He is hoping that the amnesty program will allow him to go home and be with his family.

New Job Opportunities For Skilled Workers

The amnesty program has helped many people find jobs. Many companies are now hiring workers for different jobs. It has helped the UAE economy and given thousands of people stable jobs. At the Amer center, company owners were seen offering jobs to skilled workers.

While speaking to Khaleej Times, company owners said they were working with several Amer centers to provide jobs for skilled workers. Thus, we can say the amnesty period can help people fix their visa status in the UAE along with a job offer.

Waiver Of Fines For Overstayers

The waiver of fines in the Amnesty program is a big help for people who can’t afford to pay fines and go home. The relieving scheme gives people a second chance to live their lives. Additionally, the government has said that there will be no fines for people who have overstayed their visas.

This applies to people with expired residence permits, expired visas, and those who haven’t secured their residence within four months of birth. Apart from this, The Department of Health Abu Dhabi has also said that there will be no health insurance fines. It’s a fresh start for many, proving that everyone deserves a chance to begin anew.

A New Beginning For Pakistani Expat

Hamza Gul, a Pakistani expat, has been living on the streets because his visa has expired. He is hoping that the amnesty program will allow him to go back home.

However, he doesn’t have money for a ticket. He is happy that he can finally return to his country and is hoping to find help to book his return ticket while attending the amnesty program.

Hamza Gul Muhammad has secured a job with Transguard following a spot interview at the Al Awir Centre. He is no longer an illegal resident and has a place to live.

Separate Booth For Documentation Process

The amnesty program has made it easier for people to get the necessary documents to legalize their residency in the UAE. At the Amer Center, a separate space is allocated for documentation.

It includes visas, passports, and other essential paperwork. Having legal status updated can help individuals enjoy greater security and access to various services.

Document Verification And Submission Formalities:

People who have overstayed their visas are waiting for officials to check their documents. If their documents are okay, they can get an outpass from an Amer center in Dubai.

The process of receiving an outpass involves three steps:

Officials verify the documents at the first counter.
After verification, authorities process all the data.
Lastly, the applicant’s fingerprints are taken by officials.

The amnesty program also allows people to obtain a residence permit or travel permit online. Expats can visit the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website and smart channels.

The Indian Consulate General Amnesty

The Indian Consulate in Dubai has made it easier for Indian expats to get their documents in order. So, if you are an Indian, you should apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) or a short-validity passport at the Consulate General of India or the Awir Immigration Centre. The counters will be open from September 2nd to 6th.

For an EC, you can pick it up the next day.
For a short-validity passport, you can go to any BLS center in Dubai or the Northern Emirates.

If you have any questions, you can call the Indian Consulate helpline at 050-9433111 or the PBSK Helpline at 800-46342.

Note: The Indian Association in Sharjah is also helping people with the amnesty process. However, they won’t accept documents on Sunday.

How Filipinos Can Get A New Passport?

The UAE visa amnesty program is helping people who their lost passports. If you are a Filipino with no passport but want to leave the UAE, you can visit your consulate to get an outpass document.

First, try to settle any outstanding legal issues like debts or rent problems. The Philippine missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can help with lost passports. If your employer took your passport, they might have turned it into the consulate. Otherwise, you will need a police report and the lost passport certificate to apply for a new one.

Beware Of Scams And Take Advantage Of Discounts

The UAE visa amnesty program is running until October 30th. However, people should be careful of scammers who are offering fake residency visas at low prices. Immigration experts say that these scammers are trying to take advantage of people who are trying to legalize their status.

There is good news for people who want to leave the country – they can get discounted flight tickets. The departure permit is valid for two weeks. If you don’t leave within this time, the fines and restrictions will come back.

Eligibility And Exclusions

The amnesty program is for people who have overstayed their visas in the UAE. But it doesn’t apply to people who broke the rules, ran away from their sponsors, or were deported to GCC countries after September 1st, 2024.

The program covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. People who were born without documents can also fix their status. However, people who entered the UAE illegally cannot apply for amnesty.

Conclusion:

The UAE visa amnesty program has helped many people who have been living illegally in the country. It has allowed people to fix their status, avoid fines, and access various benefits.

In addition, it has helped the UAE economy by creating new jobs and reducing the burden of fines on the government. Furthermore, the amnesty program represents a new beginning to build a better life in the UAE.