The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) today, on August 28, issued details regarding the process and eligibility for availing the benefits of amnesty, the government’s official pardon for people who are staying illegally in the Emirates after expiring their residence or visit visas. The amnesty for visa violators, starting on Sunday, September 1, would allow people to change their visa status or leave the country without being fined. The official mercy on illegal residents is scheduled to continue until November 1.

The Federal Authority, in a press conference, revealed the details for rectification for visa overstayers. According to the statement, the illegal residents can either rectify their visa status by applying for a new visa or exit the country within 14 days. Notably, the visa rules violators who choose to leave the country can come back to the Emirates without any restrictions.

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Who Can Apply for the Amnesty

The amnesty is applicable to all types of visas, including residency and visitor visas. Those who stay illegally after the expiry of their visa can apply for amnesty. Children who were born in the UAE and whose parents have not applied for or taken a visa for them can also apply for the latest pardon. It would also be applicable to those who fled from their sponsors. Notably, those who entered the country illegally will not be able to apply for amnesty.

How and Where to Apply for Amnesty

The visa violators can submit their application in canters available throughout the Emirates. In Abu Dhabi, violators can apply at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama, while in Dubai, at the Amer service centres and the centre for immigration violators in Al Awir. In the rest of the Emirates, the application can be submitted at ICP centres. The service centres will be available throughout the period of amnesty from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. During the two-month grace period starting from Sunday, the visa violators can apply for availing the benefit.

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According to the updates in law by the ICP in 2022, the financial penalty has been raised to 50 dirhams per day for tourists and residents who overstayed their visas. The amnesty will help those overstayers eighteen rectify their visa status or leave the country without fines.