UAE
UAE to Launch Two-Month Amnesty for Expired Visa Holders in September. Starting in September, the UAE will offer a two-month amnesty to individuals with expired residency visas, providing them an opportunity to regularize their status or leave the country without facing fines. This initiative, launched by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), reflects the UAE’s commitment to compassion and tolerance.
The amnesty period is designed to help those who have overstayed their visas to “regularize their status in accordance with the law,” according to the ICP. This move aims to alleviate the burden on those facing financial or personal difficulties, allowing them to either secure their residency or return to their home countries without incurring penalties.
A Crucial Lifeline for Struggling Expats
The decision has been welcomed by welfare organizations, which see it as a crucial lifeline for many expatriates facing dire circumstances. Ishtiyak Raziq, past president of Sahana, a Sri Lankan welfare association, emphasized the relief this initiative will bring to those who have overstayed due to unemployment, financial crises, or health issues.
“There are people who came here searching for jobs and overstayed, as well as those duped by agents promising higher-paying jobs,” Raziq explained. “This amnesty will allow them to go back and start afresh without the burden of accumulating fines.”
Raziq also highlighted the struggles of individuals who were unable to return home due to the financial crisis in Sri Lanka or health issues without insurance. He praised the UAE government’s timely decision, noting that it will allow many expatriates to return to their home countries with dignity.
Building on Past Initiatives
This amnesty is not the first of its kind in the UAE. A similar visa amnesty scheme was held in 2018, allowing residents who had overstayed their visas or entered the country illegally to modify their status or return home without fear of fines or imprisonment. Previous initiatives were also implemented in 2007 and 2013, all aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of visa overstays.
The importance of such initiatives was underscored by the overwhelming turnout at a Dubai government event in February 2023, where large crowds gathered to seek support for resolving their visa issues. The event, “A Home For All,” had to be postponed on its opening day due to the high demand, highlighting how pressing the concern of residency status is for many in the UAE.
Understanding Visa Overstay Rules
Under current UAE regulations, the financial penalty for overstaying a visa is standardized at Dh50 per day. Residency visa holders are typically given a six-month grace period to leave the country or change their status by finding a job once their visa expires or is canceled. The upcoming amnesty will provide additional support to those who have remained in the country illegally beyond this grace period, offering them a chance to rectify their situation without incurring further penalties.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for those facing residency challenges in the UAE, offering a path forward either to remain in the country legally or to return home without the burden of fines.
