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Thu, Nov 21, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 20, 1446 | DXB
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UAE visa amnesty: Overstaying residents to get discounted airfares to fly back home
The ICP has coordinated with airlines, such as Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia, for the initiative
KT file photo used for illustrative purposes
Discounted flight tickets will be offered to illegal residents who will avail of the UAE visa amnesty and decide to leave the country, said the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Maj-Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, has confirmed to Khaleej Times that they have communicated with UAE airlines — including Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia — to provide discounted airfare to those who would like to leave the country but were facing financial constraints.
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The amnesty programme will run for two months beginning on September 1 until October 30, 2024.
Maj-Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, deputy director-general of GDRFA-Dubai (2nd from right) — KT Photo: Angel Tesorero
The amnesty programme covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Those who were born with no documents can also avail of the amnesty and rectify their status. Those who ran away or absconded from their sponsors can also apply. However, those who entered the country illegally, are not eligible to apply for the amnesty.
The ICP assured there would be no overstay fine nor exit fee to be collected. Those who would opt to leave the country will not get an entry ban and they can return to the UAE any time with the appropriate visa.
The ICP said they held several coordination meetings with airline representatives to discuss the possibility of reducing ticket prices, and “the airlines have responded positively to the proposal”, agreeing to offer discounted fares for those who will avail of the amnesty and leave the UAE.
How to get an exit permit
If they already have biometric fingerprinting on record, those who will leave the UAE can simply submit a departure permit application online, and the exit permit will be issued directly, the ICP said.
Those who don't have biometrics on record will be directed to visit designated centres (only for those aged 15 and above) — and an exit permit will be issued after completing fingerprinting procedures.
ICP centres for biometric fingerprinting in Abu Dhabi are located in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Mqam, and Al Shahama, In Dubai, this can be done at the GDRFA centre in Al Awir. Those with visas issued in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah must go to their respective service centres.
Exit pass validity
Those who will leave the country will be given an exit pass or permit which is valid only for 14 days after release. The visa violator will be allowed to leave the country after settling their status without any administrative restrictions preventing their return, which means there will be no ban stamp on their passport and they can re-enter the UAE on valid visas.
All previous fines and restrictions, however, will be re-imposed automatically if the departure is not done within the 14-day grace period.
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Angel Tesorero
Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He's a food lover too.
Ruqayya Al Qaydi
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with a newborn by her side and an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.
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