All you need to know about UAE amnesty 2018

Dubai - The individuals who are staying illegally in the country can apply for amnesty.

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By Kelly Clarke

Published: Mon 23 Jul 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 3 Dec 2018, 12:37 PM

Q: What is the duration of the amnesty?
A: The amnesty scheme in UAE which started in August has been extended by another one month. Residents can avail of the amnesty starting from December 2. The scheme was supposed to end on November 30, 2018, after the expiry of the previous 30-day extension.
Q: Who are the people eligible for amnesty?
A: The individuals who are staying illegally in the country can apply for amnesty.
Q: What are the two options available for illegal residents under amnesty?
A: Those who wish to exit the country can go back to their home countries without paying fines or facing jail term. Or individuals can regularise their status by getting a new visa under a sponsor.
Q: Will those who entered the country illegally be given amnesty?
A: Yes. But they will exit the country with a two-year ban.
Q: Will there be a permanent ban on reentering the UAE for those who avail of amnesty?
A: No. There will be no ban, and people can reenter the country on valid visas.
Q: Will the applicant have to pay overstaying fines before modifying their illegal status?
A: No. Applicants of amnesty will get a waiver on all overstaying fines.
Q: What kind of violations will not fall under the amnesty scheme?
A: People who have been blacklisted and also those who have legal cases against them are not eligible for amnesty. All residency violations will fall under the amnesty scheme.
Q: Can those who have absconding report against them apply for amnesty?
A: Yes, Immigration authorities will remove the absconding report and issue exit permit without ban.
Q: Can applicants who modify their status apply for jobs in the UAE?
A: Yes. Applicants can register in the virtual job market available on the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Q: How long can those who modified their residency status stay in the country to look jobs?
A: People looking for jobs can obtain a six-month temporary visa to look for employment.
Q: How can residents apply for amnesty?
A: Illegal residents wishing to exit the country can approach the Immigration department and get exit permit.
Q: What are the documents residents need to submit?
A: Residents need to submit original passport or EC (emergency certificate). They also need to submit an air ticket along with the application.
Q: What is the fee for applying for exit permit?
A: A fee of Dh220 is charged on the exit permit.
Q: What is the fee for modifying residency status?
A: A fee of Dh500 is charged.
Q: Can residents without passports apply for amnesty?
A: Yes, Residents without passports can also apply.
Q: What is the time period to exit the country after getting the exit pass?
A: Individuals have to exit within 10 days of getting the exit pass.
Q: How can those who cannot come to the Immigration apply for amnesty?
A: Immigration will issue exit permits based on medical reports or letter from embassy or consulate.
Q: How many amnesty service centres have authorities established across the UAE?
A: A total of nine centres have been established at the centres of the General Directorates of Residency and Foreign Affairs across the UAE.
Q: Where are the centres in Abu Dhabi located?
A: Al Ain, Shahama and Al Garbia
Q: Where can people submit their documents in Dubai?
A: At Al Aweer Immigration centre
Q: What is the location for other emirates?
A: The amnesty centres are located at the Immigration Offices in the emirates.
Q: What are the timings of the centres?
A: The amnesty service centres will open from 8am to 8pm.
Q: What benefits will amnesty bring to families coming from war-torn countries like Syria and Yemen?
A: They will be granted a one-year residence visa without restrictions attached.

Seek help from your embassies

>Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
02 449 2700
>Consulate General of India, Dubai
056 546 3903 (indiaindubai.amnesty@gmail.com)
>Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi
02 639 0006
>Philippine Consulate General, Dubai
04 220 7100
>Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi
02 444 7800
>Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai
04 397 3600
>Embassy of Indonesia, Abu Dhabi
02 445 4448
>Consulate General of Indonesia, Dubai
04 398 5666
>Embassy of Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi
02 446 5100
>Consulate General of Bangladesh, Dubai
04 238 8199
>Embassy of Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
02 631 6444
>Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Dubai
04 398 6535
>Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi
02 443 1503
>Consulate General Nigeria, Dubai
04 352 2505
>Embassy of Uzbekistan, Abu Dhabi
02 448 8215
>Consulate General of Uzbekistan, Dubai
04 370 6060
>Consulate General of Sudan, Dubai
04 397 7722
>Consulate General of Egypt, Dubai
04 397 1122
>Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi
02 634 4767
>Consulate General of Malaysia, Dubai
04 398 5843
>Ethiopian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
026655111
>Ethiopian Consulate in Dubai
042699111
kelly@khaleejtimes.com 

Kelly Clarke

Published: Mon 23 Jul 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 3 Dec 2018, 12:37 PM

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