As part of the preparations for the UAE amnesty program, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has set up a “one-stop shop” for those who have overstayed their visas, but would like to legalize their status in the country.
Set under two large tents, the centre will assist amnesty seekers from August 1 – October 31, 2018. Aside from GDRFA, representatives from Dubai Police as well as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will be assisting the applicants, Gulf News reported.
“One-Stop” Amnesty Service Centre Opened
The “one-stop” Al Aweer centre will process cases of persons who have overstayed their visas or have absconded. They will be given the chance to legalize their status in the UAE, without having to pay overstay fines or getting an entry ban. It will be open from 8am to 8pm daily, except during public holidays.
At the centre, you will find:
- 2 tents (for men and women)
- 40 counters (w/ officers speaking in different languages)
- 3,000 seats for amnesty-seekers
In addition, a temporary clinic has been set up near the tents, in case of emergencies.
Here is a video preview of the “one-stop” shop for amnesty seekers, shared by The UAE News on Facebook:
Chance for a New Start
The Director General of GDRFA, Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, encouraged visa violators to take this opportunity to legalize their status in the country.
“It is a gift from the UAE government and a great humanitarian gesture for the people who are overstaying in the country,” Al Merri stated during a press conference on Sunday. “Such people are not criminals but some of them sometimes face the difficult situations which forced them to stay illegally. We are giving them a chance to make a new start in their lives.”
“Some overstayers fear heavy fines but this amnesty will erase the fines and encourage illegal expats to make their status legal or voluntarily depart without getting a ban,” he added.
Aside from the centre at Al Aweer, there are other centres where visa violators can apply for amnesty. They can go to any of the 43 Amer centres of GDRFA located across Dubai. To learn more about the program, check out these FAQs on UAE amnesty.