If you are a Filipino or an expat living in the UAE with expired visa issues, the current amnesty offers a significant relief. This program allows individuals who have overstayed in the country to either regularize their status or obtain an exit permit without incurring hefty fines.
In a recent update from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the second group of individuals with illegal visas successfully returned to the Philippines under the program on September 20, 2024.
This initiative emphasizes the UAE’s intent to provide a compassionate approach, waiving all accumulated fines for those opting to leave the country. The exit permit is valid for 14 days, offering ample time to arrange for departure.
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A Unique Opportunity
Maj Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor highlighted the value of this opportunity, stating, “All kinds of fines will be waived, even if it’s a huge bulk.” It isimportant for expats to take advantage of this initiative before it concludes on October 31, 2024.
For those who previously held residency visas, exit permits can be obtained at designated centers. Visitor visa holders, however, need to visit specified Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) centers due to their unrecorded fingerprints.
Special Considerations for Families
Parents with children who are not registered can also utilize this amnesty to legalize their status. It’s necessary to secure a passport or travel document for the child and visit an amnesty center or make an online application for an exit pass. Families choosing to regularize their stay can amend the children’s status without penalties.
The Bigger Picture
Visa amnesties like these address concerns about the legal status of residents amidst Dubai’s population growth. They not only encourage individuals to come forward without fear, but also offer a fresh start, whether in the UAE or back home.
The initiative also coincides with updated visa rules like the replacement of residency visa pages with the Emirates ID and new categories such as golden and green visas, targeting the self-employed and business owners.
Updated Visa and Overstay Fines
- Recent ICP updates have standardized the overstay penalty at Dh50 per day.
- Residency visa holders have a six-month grace period to leave or change status.
- Amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for individuals beyond the grace period.
Procedure for Obtaining Amnesty in the UAE
- Contact Your Embassy or Consulate: Start by reaching out to your home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE, either in person, by phone, or online.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as your passport, expired visa, and any other relevant identification.
- Fill Out Application Forms: Complete any required forms from your embassy or consulate.
- Attend Appointments: Attend any scheduled meetings with embassy officials if needed, which might involve interviews or submitting more documents.
- Follow Guidance: Adhere to the advice provided by embassy officials, including legal advice or steps to regularize your status.
- Submit Application: After processing, your embassy will help submit your application to the UAE authorities.
- Obtain Permit or Regularize Status: Choose to get an exit permit to leave or regularize your stay if eligible.
- Follow Up: Stay in touch with your embassy to monitor your application and respond to any additional requests.
High Demand for the Amnesty
Embassies and consulates of countries with large expat populations have reported a high demand for information regarding the amnesty. Some missions have extended their hours, including opening on Saturdays, to cater to the need. This reflects the significant number of individuals affected who are eager to comply with the new regulations and regularize their status or leave without fines.
This amnesty marks an essential step toward supporting expats striving for legal compliance in the UAE, reiterating the country’s dedication to offering humanitarian resolutions and an avenue for a new beginning.