The authorities of the United Arab Emirates have decided to help visa violators to legalize themselves. Tourists from all over the world come to the UAE, and with such a large throughput, of course, there are many expired visas.
Many foreigners with expired visas remain in the country in limbo, as they are required to pay a large fine upon leaving. In 2024, it is $2,200 if you do not have time to leave within two weeks, and $28 for each subsequent day of stay in the country. For some types of visas, this amount is even higher.
Visa amnesty program in the UAE
Until this week, you could get an exit pass (Out Pass) with an expired visa, but only during the first 14 days after the expiration of the entry documents. Now, if you are in the UAE and have expired your visa, you can leave the country until October 31, 2024, and you will not have to pay a fine.
In addition to leaving the country, you can apply for legalization and regulate your status. But in general, the visa amnesty program is needed to help people who have financial difficulties and are unable to pay a fine to leave.
Legalization of status
Under the program, you can not only leave the country without a fine, but also legalize for free if there are grounds for this, but there was not enough time. For example, you can extend a resident visa, or apply for a new one, register a child born in the UAE, or change the status of an existing visa. In total, the authorities have canceled 5 administrative fees for all types of overstays.
If you live in the UAE on a work visa, but have lost your job and have not managed to find a new one, you also have the right to regularize your status under the visa amnesty.
To participate in the program, you need to apply online or in person at the branch of the emirate where you are located. For example, in Dubai, these are Amer centers, as well as the GDRFA (Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). In Abu Dhabi, you can contact one of the ICP centers. They are located in Al Shahama, Al Dhafra, Al Maqa and Suwaihan.
Journalist, editor with 9 years of experience in investment immigration. I specialize in analysis of residency and tax programs, as well as individual selection of jurisdictions for relocation.
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