UAE announces two-month visa amnesty for illegal residents, expired visa holders

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a two-month visa amnesty program for visitors who have overstayed their visas, starting from September 1, 2024.

This initiative aims to help individuals regularize their residency status or return to their home countries without facing penalties. It provides an opportunity for those with expired visas to resolve their legal issues and avoid potential fines or jail time, as well as to update their status or depart the country without legal consequences.

The amnesty is open to residents who have stayed in the UAE beyond their residency visa expiration, visitors who have overstayed their visit visas, and children born in the UAE whose parents have not secured residency for them.

Additionally, the program is available to those who have fled their sponsors. However, individuals who entered the UAE illegally are not eligible for this amnesty.

Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Head of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, stated, “This is an opportunity for violators to rectify their status. The initiative will strengthen the UAE’s standing in the human rights sector.

“We aim to assist those in the country by helping them adjust their status so they can either safely leave or live and work decently within the UAE.”

Applicants can access the amnesty program at various locations throughout the Emirates.