UAE visa amnesty: Jobs offered, fines waived, documents issued; Day 1 gives hope to thousands of illegals

Immigration centres across the UAE turned into hubs of hope for hundreds of illegal residents and visitors as the country’s amnesty programme kicked off Sunday. Day one of the two-month scheme saw jobs being offered on the spot to skilled expats, fines worth thousands of dirhams waived and families getting identities after living without documents for years.

September 1, 2024, marked a new beginning for expats who stayed in the country illegally after their residency or visit visas expired.

The two-month scheme, which runs until October 30, will allow violators to either regularise their status or leave the country without bans, fines, or exit fees. Here is how day one of the programme transpired as captured by Khaleej Times journalists stationed at multiple locations across the UAE.

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1.28pm: Busy Sunday in a long time

As Day 1 of visa amnesty progressed, more people poured into the Amer centre in Dubai Airport Freezone (Dafza). "This is the busiest Sunday we have had in a long time. People typically avoid coming to Dafza because they believe they need a pass to enter, but that's not the case," a centre representative told Khaleej Times.

He added, "We have been visited by an immigration officer as well, who was at hand to answer any queries we have. I expect it to get hectic from tomorrow onwards. I might bring staff from other centres here to handle the rush."

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1.23pm: Hope for Ugandan expats

Ugandan expats Asasira and Victoria are hoping to return home during the current amnesty programme. Both have amassed overstay fines and have absconding status against them.

"I was struggling with health issues, which caused me to lose my job and led to my absconding status," Asasira said. "I've been overstaying for over a year now. This amnesty is a true blessing, and I hope it allows me to go home and reunite with my family."

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1.05pm: Hiring skilled labourers seeking amnesty

Sabu Edward, Albin Alfred and Augustine Michael are owners of contracting companies who have offered to hire skilled labourers who are seeking amnesty. They were present at the Amer centre in the Dubai Airport Freezone (Dafza).

“We have been in touch with several Amer centres to offer employment to skilled labourers,” said Sabu, speaking to Khaleej Times. “Many of them are taking CVs of such workers at our behest.” During this amnesty period, those wishing to regularise their status in the country can do so with an official offer letter.

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12.56pm: PROs providing assistance

A group of public relations officers, part of the United PRO association, was on the ground at the Amer centre in the Airport, Freezone, to assist those coming to check for amnesty. “For many people, it is nerve-wracking to come here and do the procedure,” said Abdul Ghafoor. “Since it is the first day, things have been slow, but we expect things to get busier tomorrow.”

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12.30pm: Amnesty by the Consulate General of India

The following measures have been taken to help Indians living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates:

1. Applicants who desire to return to India may apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC). Applicants who wish to regularise their residency status may apply for a short-validity passport.

2. Applicants can request an EC at the Consulate on a Gratis basis. Facilitation counters will be set up at the Consulate General of India, Dubai, and the Awir Immigration Centre, Dubai. The counter will be functional from September 2 from 8am to 6pm.

3. Applicants can collect the ECs from the Consulate General of India, Dubai, between 2pm and 6pm on the day after submitting the application.

4. Applicants can approach any of the BLS centres in Dubai and Northern Emirates as walk-ins to apply for short-validity passports.

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12.20pm: Amer centre regularising status

A steady stream of amnesty seekers has been visiting the Amer Centre in Dubai Airport Freezone. Filipino expat Jen travelled all the way from Ajman by taxi to regularise her status. "I am hoping to regularise my status and get a job here," she told Khaleej Times.

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12pm: Lost your passport?

Officials of various countries have stepped in to guide overstaying expats without passports on securing an outpass to leave the UAE. Pakistan Press Consul, said that illegal residents without passports “will need to gather all their documents and visit the consulate to obtain an outpass."

After the outpass is issued by the embassy or consulate, overstayers can apply for the exit permit in ICP centres throughout UAE, approved typing centres, as well as online through ICP electronic channels. In Dubai, all Amer centres will provide amnesty, along with General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai centre in Al Awir.

Read details here.

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11.55pm: Helpline for Indian expats

To ensure that Indians have access to the necessary information and assistance, the Consulate General of India in Dubai has provided a dedicated helpline at 050-9433111, operational from 8am to 6pm, and the PBSK Helpline at 800-46342, available 24/7 for further inquiries.

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11.49am: Returning home soon

In July, Joy, a Filipina domestic worker, ran away from her employer after allegedly facing sexual harassment. While escaping, the 41-year-old grabbed a few essential items but could not retrieve her passport.

She stayed with her friends in Abu Dhabi while her employer reportedly filed an absconding case against her. When she heard of the UAE visa amnesty, she immediately took advantage of the opportunity to return to the Philippines.

An official from the Philippine Migrants Workers Office (MWO) in Abu Dhabi will check with the agency which recruited her to see if the employer surrendered Joy’s passport to them. However, officials assured that if they cannot recover Joy’s passport, she can still go home with a travel document that will be issued in lieu of it.

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11.34am: No fines for violators

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has reaffirmed that no financial penalties will be imposed on visa violators, offering them a grace period to regularise their status.

This amnesty applies to several categories: individuals with expired residence permits, those with expired visas, foreign-born individuals whose guardians haven't secured their residence within four months of birth, and those listed in administrative reports for work discontinuation or absenteeism.

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11.15am: Al Awir operations

Explaining the arrangements made by the authorities at the Al Awir amnesty centre, Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, deputy director of GDRFA, said there are two large tents — one for male and another for female residents. The centre has ample parking spaces for those driving to Al Awir.

Individuals at the Al Awir centre can submit their documents and complete the procedures to legalise their status. They can either obtain an exit permit and leave the country or resolve their status and continue residing in the Emirates.

Watch him talk about the facility (video: Muhammad Sajjad)

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11.04am: 'My baby will now have an identity'

Filipina expat Ruth, 46, said her one-year-old baby will now have an identity, thanks to the UAE amnesty programme. She gave birth at home in July 2023. As she has been staying illegally since 2020, she was unable to apply for her baby’s birth certificate and passport.

Ruth, for her part, still has a valid passport. She previously worked as a cleaner before her visa was cancelled four years ago at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, another company has committed to employing her. “Thanks to UAE amnesty, my baby and I can now regularise our stay here in the UAE.”

Officials from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi assisted her on Sunday and told her the procedure to follow. First, she has to report the birth to Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) and apply for late registration to get a birth certificate that will be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Then, she will fill out an online form and email it to abudhabipe.civilregistry@dfa.gov.ph.

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10.40am: Health insurance fine waiver

In line with the Federal Authority's decision to grant a two-month grace period starting September 1 for violators of entry and residence rules, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has announced a waiver of health insurance fines.

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10.22am: Officials eager to help

Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, deputy director of GDRFA in Dubai, interacts with a family from the Philippines at the Al Awir amnesty centre.

Despite being a Sunday, an official holiday in the UAE, immigration officials are stationed at various sites, diligently helping expats who wish to rectify their visa status.

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10.20am: Helping hand

Berry Mount Dubai has launched a support effort to assist residents during the extreme heat and the ongoing Dubai amnesty initiative. According to KT reporter Zain Basalat, over the next two months, the organisation will distribute essential items like fruits and water to those struggling financially. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on individuals facing difficulties in affording necessities and visa expenses during the amnesty period.

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10.13am: New chapter for Pakistani expat

After nearly a year of being jobless and living on the streets, Hamza Gul Muhammad is no longer an illegal resident, thanks to the UAE amnesty programme. And to add to his joy, Hamza has secured a job with Transguard following a spot interview at the Al Awir Centre. Now, Hamza not only has employment but also a place to live, ending his nights on the streets.

Watch Hamza take a bus to his new accommodation in Dubai (video: Muhammad Sajjad)

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10am: 100 illegals cleared in 30 minutes

Dubai’s GDRFA processed the documents of over 100 illegal residents in 30 minutes after the visa amnesty kicked off. Over 2,000 people are expected to avail of the amnesty daily across 86 Amer centres in Dubai.

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9.45am: Steady stream of expats

On Sunday, a steady stream of expats across the Emirates began availing themselves of the amnesty programme, which will run until October 30, 2024. The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs, and Port Security will accept applications from foreigners who have violated the country's residence system. The UAE is committed to upholding the law while reflecting its core values of tolerance and mercy in society.

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9.40am: Departure permit validity

The departure permit will be valid for 14 days. If the departure is not completed within the grace period or after permits expire outside the specified exemption period, all previous fines and restrictions will be automatically reinstated.

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9.33am: Family of 5 set to start afresh

Indian expat M.K. is hoping to return home during this amnesty. She, her husband and three children have been overstaying in the UAE since her husband lost his job three years ago. She couldn't afford school or sometimes even food for her children, aged 11, 9 and 2.

As the family couldn't pay their apartment rent, the real estate agency deposited their security cheque, resulting in a travel ban for her husband. She hopes that she and her family can leave the UAE during this amnesty period.

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9.25am: Missions helping expats

Indian expats can visit any BLS centre in Abu Dhabi without prior appointment. The Embassy in the Capital has announced several measures for Indians residing in the emirate to avail the two-month amnesty scheme.

The Philippine missions in the UAE have urged their countrymen who have concerns regarding their immigration status – whether as residents, visitors, or holders of other visa types – to take full advantage of the programme. Waiting until the last minute may result in unnecessary complications. Thus, early action is encouraged to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

For four consecutive Saturdays, the Pakistan embassy and consulate remained open to accommodate the rush for the visa amnesty programme. Hundreds have turned up to renew their passports and ID cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

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9.18am: Job interviews

After clearing all the scrutiny, Hamza Gul Muhammad received his outpass. Despite being jobless and lacking funds for a flight home, he remains hopeful. With companies holding spot job interviews, Hamza was seen attending an interview with Transguard, aiming to secure a new opportunity and keep moving forward.

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9.04am: Ready to go home

Saiky was among the many expats waiting to clear her status in the lady's tent. Khaleej Times' Zain Basalat spoke to Saiky, who came to the UAE three years ago with 28 years of experience looking for a nursing job at a hospital in Sharjah.

However, her visa application was refused; she faced a similar rejection with another job application. Eventually, she worked for a Chinese company but encountered many issues and quit. She struggled to renew her visit visa and lived under difficult conditions. Today, she is finally returning to her home country and feels relieved to no longer be breaking the law.

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9am: Beware of scammers

As the UAE's two-month amnesty programme begins, individuals are warned of scammers preying on vulnerable expats with fraudulent offers of residency visas at suspiciously low prices, which have raised alarms. Immigration experts warn that these scams are designed to exploit the desperation of overstayers looking to legalise their status. Read more details here.

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8.50am: 'UAE will support'

Mohammed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA, is at the Al Awir centre to supervise the entire proceedings. Speaking to Khaleej Times, he said, "The UAE is standing by and supporting them (illegal expats) and resolving the issues faced by them. Despite it being Sunday, a day when we are typically not required to work, all immigration officials are on duty to provide amnesty services and assist those in need.

Watch his full interview below (video: Muhammad Sajjad):

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8.48am: Refreshment for applicants

Zubair and Faisal from Berrymount Dubai are giving away free coconut water to overstayers, offering a refreshing break to those navigating the visa amnesty process.

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8.40am: Legal assistance for Filipinos

The Philippine missions in the UAE advised Filipinos with pending criminal, civil, or financial cases (such as debts, loans, RERA/ rent issues) to “first resolve these matters before applying for the UAE visa amnesty programme.

In Dubai, applicants with pending cases may avail themselves of free legal consultations at the Migrant Workers Office Dubai every Wednesday. For scheduling, please send an email request to atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph

Meanwhile, amnesty applicants who meet all consular services requirements will be accommodated as walk-in clients at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai.

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8.35am: On-site interviews

Companies are conducting on-site interviews for individuals who have successfully resolved their visa status. This provides an opportunity for those who have regularised their illegal status but willing to stay in the UAE to explore new job prospects.

Fifteen companies conducted interviews and offered job opportunities for expats who legalised their visa status.

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8.32am: Discounted airfares

More good news for amnesty applicants: Discounted flight tickets will be offered to illegals who avail of the scheme and decide to leave the country. Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia, among others, will offer discounted airfare to those who would like to leave the country but are facing financial constraints. Read more details here.

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8.30am: Bitter-sweet moment

A Pakistani expat who spent the night outside the GDRFA facility to benefit from the UAE visa amnesty has received his outpass. However, his joy and relief were short-lived — the jobless expat has no money for a ticket and will stay on the streets now.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Hamza Gul Muhammad said, "I am so happy that I can finally return to my country. It has been a tough journey, and while I don't have the money to book my return ticket, I am hopeful that there will be some help from the Almighty. InshaAllah, I plan to return to Dubai with another opportunity soon."

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8.25am: Information desk for amnesty seekers

The Indian Association in Sharjah has set up an information desk for the people seeking amnesty in the UAE. However, the Association will not accept documents from amnesty seekers on Sunday.

However, the Association will take a call about document collection from amnesty seekers once it gets further instructions from the Indian Consulate in Dubai. Indian nationals seeking information about outpass, passport renewal, or any questions related to amnesty can call 06-5610845. Officials at the Indian Association in Sharjah will guide their counterparts through the procedures.

When the Association opened its office in the Al Gharb area of Sharjah on Sunday morning, no applicants sought amnesty.

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8.17: Expats submit documents

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