Complete Guide to UAE Amnesty 2024: Application and Eligibility
The UAE Amnesty 2024 has sparked significant interest among residents and visitors alike, offering a crucial opportunity for those with visa or residency violations to regularize their status. This two-month amnesty program, set to run from September 1 to October 30, aims to address the challenges faced by individuals who have overstayed their visas or fallen out of legal status. The initiative reflects the UAE government’s commitment to maintaining a fair and well-regulated immigration system while showing compassion for those in difficult situations.
During this amnesty period, eligible individuals can take advantage of several benefits, including the waiver of overstay fines and the chance to leave the country without facing an entry ban. The program also allows violators to update their status and continue their stay in the UAE legally. To apply for the amnesty, individuals can visit ICP centers or use smart channels, with the Al Awir center in Dubai serving as a key location for processing applications. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is crucial for those looking to benefit from this significant initiative.
Who is Eligible for UAE Amnesty 2024?
The UAE Amnesty 2024 program offers a grace period for individuals who have overstayed their visas or are in the country illegally to leave the UAE without facing penalties. This initiative covers several categories of individuals, providing them with an opportunity to regularize their status or exit the country without incurring fines.
Residency Violators
Residency violators are those who have overstayed their residency permits or have been working without a valid permit. This category includes individuals whose residence permits have expired or been canceled, and who have remained in the country beyond the grace period. The amnesty allows these individuals to change their status or leave the country without being fined.
Visa Overstayers
Visa overstayers are individuals who have stayed in the UAE beyond the expiration of their visas. This includes visitors to the UAE who remained in the country after their visit visa had run out. The amnesty program provides an opportunity for these individuals to rectify their situation without facing penalties.
Absconding Cases
The amnesty is also applicable to those who fled from their sponsors. These are individuals who have left their employers without permission and are now residing in the UAE illegally. They are listed in the administrative lists of ‘Report of interruption of work’. The program allows them to change their status or leave the country without facing legal consequences.
Children Born in UAE
Children who were born in the UAE but whose parents did not apply for residency for them within four months from the date of birth are also eligible for the amnesty. Parents who had been staying illegally but change their status and stay in the country can amend the status of their children without paying fines. For a child to leave the country, parents should obtain a passport or travel document and apply for an exit pass either at an amnesty center or online.
It’s important to note that individuals who have entered the country illegally are not eligible to apply for amnesty. Additionally, those who violate visa rules or flee from sponsors after September 1 will not be eligible for the program. The amnesty also excludes individuals who have been deported from the UAE or other GCC countries.
Application Process and Requirements
The UAE Amnesty 2024 program has streamlined the application process to make it accessible for eligible individuals. Applicants can now complete most of the process online through the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website and smart channels.
Where to Apply
Designated amnesty support centers are available across the UAE, including major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. These centers operate with extended hours, typically until 10 PM, to accommodate the increased demand during the amnesty period. In Abu Dhabi, applications can be processed at ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah. Dubai residents can visit Amer service centers or the immigration violators center in Al Awir. Other emirates have ICP centers for amnesty applications.
Required Documents
Applicants need to gather necessary documents, including their passport, Emirates ID (if available), and any visa-related paperwork. For those seeking to obtain a residence permit, all required documents should be prepared and submitted through electronic and smart channels.
Biometric Fingerprinting
While most transactions can be handled online, a personal visit may be required for biometric verification, particularly for those with incomplete biometric records. Applicants aged 15 years and above who have not previously completed biometric fingerprinting will be directed to visit specified fingerprinting centers. The working hours at these centers have been extended from 7am to 8pm to facilitate the process.
Online Application Steps
To apply online, follow these steps:
- Visit the ICP website (icp.gov.ae).
- Submit the application for regularization or departure.
- If leaving the country, prepare passport and ticket, and submit a departure permit request.
- Wait for confirmation or notification to visit a center for biometric data registration.
- Pay any applicable administrative fees.
- Receive confirmation of new legal status or departure permit.
Benefits and Exemptions of the Amnesty
The UAE Amnesty 2024 offers significant advantages to individuals with visa or residency violations. This initiative aims to help residents and visitors stabilize their visa status or leave the country without penalties.
Waived Fines and Fees
A key feature of this amnesty is the waiving of fines and fees. Participants are exempt from five specific fines, including those resulting from illegal stays, establishment card violations, identity card fines, and violations related to employment contracts. Additionally, the program waives fees for residence and visa cancelation, work interruption report filing, departure, residence and visa details, and departure permits.
No Entry Ban
Individuals who take advantage of the amnesty will not face any entry bans or restrictions on future visa applications. This means that those who leave the country during the amnesty period can return to the UAE at any time with the appropriate visa, ensuring a smooth departure and potential return without being placed on a banned list.
Exit Permit Details
For those choosing to leave the UAE, the amnesty provides a 14-day departure permit. This permit allows individuals to exit the country within the given timeframe without incurring any penalties. However, it’s crucial to note that if departure is not possible within this deadline, all previous fines and restrictions will be automatically reinstated.
Status Modification Options
The amnesty also offers options for modifying one’s immigration status. Eligible individuals can renew their residence permit, issue a new visa (work or residence), or adjust the status of a valid visa. This provision is particularly beneficial for those who wish to regularize their residency status and stay in the UAE legally without facing penalties for previous violations.
The UAE Amnesty 2024 program has a significant impact on individuals facing visa or residency violations in the country. This initiative offers a chance to regularize one’s status or leave without penalties, showing the UAE government’s commitment to maintain a fair immigration system. The program’s benefits, including waived fines and the option to modify one’s status, provide a crucial lifeline to those in challenging situations.
To wrap up, the success of this amnesty program hinges on eligible individuals taking prompt action within the specified timeframe. Whether choosing to update their status or depart the country, participants can benefit from this opportunity to resolve their immigration issues. The UAE’s approach demonstrates a balanced strategy to address illegal residency while offering a compassionate solution to those affected.
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