Abu Dhabi: UAE visa amnesty program, introduced on September 1, has garnered a significant response. Thousands of undocumented residents, including women, children, and the elderly, applied within just two days. Many applicants have seized the opportunity to regularize their visa status, with several receiving offers for visa amendments.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at the Al Awir center and Amer centers alone recorded over a thousand applicants on the first day.
Applicants include a diverse group of individuals—women, men, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many are seeking out-passes to return to their home countries, while others opt to stay in the UAE by changing their visa status. Several qualified candidates were even offered employment on the spot by company representatives at the Al Awir center.
The UAE government launched this amnesty, known as the “Grace Period,” to provide those residing in the country illegally with the opportunity to leave without facing penalties or travel bans. Authorities have urged eligible individuals to take advantage of the one-month program, initiated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which concludes on October 31.
Amendment and Exit
For individuals preferring to amend their visa status rather than return home, authorities have directed them to approach Amer centers. Those seeking to leave the country are encouraged to visit the Al Awir center, where an Amer center is also operational.
Across Dubai, 86 Amer centers are actively assisting residents and visitors in applying for amnesty. These centers provide comprehensive services to those who wish to change their status and continue living in the UAE legally. Out-passes are being issued to individuals who already have biometric fingerprints (Emirates ID holders). The Al Awir centre is primarily equipped to handle fingerprinting and issuing exit permits for those wanting to leave under this initiative.
General Salah Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General for Violators and Foreigners Affairs, emphasized the significant participation of applicants, which highlights the importance and success of the initiative. He reiterated the Directorate’s commitment to facilitating the process for violators who wish to transition from unregistered, unproductive workers to positive contributors to the economy.
This transformation is achieved through 15 job platforms at the Al Awir centre, which connect applicants with companies that have signed agreements to legally integrate them into the workforce. General Al Qamzi assured that while providing comprehensive support, all applicants are treated with respect, dignity, and humanity. Specialized teams have also assisted numerous children, the elderly, and determined individuals.
Take Advantage
Residents and visitors violating residency laws are urged to use this opportunity to regularize their status and comply with national laws. General Al Qamzi emphasized that the Grace Period reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting those who wish to adhere to the law.
The centers remain fully prepared to continue receiving violators and providing necessary services while maintaining international best practices. General Al Qamzi expressed satisfaction with the first day’s results and praised the efficiency of the teams and the effective cooperation with other government agencies.
He also mentioned that transactions for those ready to return legally, especially those with biometric fingerprints (Emirates ID holders), are being handled swiftly and efficiently, including the issuance of out-passes (exit permits).
Reminder: Seize the Opportunity
The General Directorate urged all residency law violators in the UAE to regularize their status, allowing them to live freely and peacefully in the country or return to their home countries voluntarily. The Amer Call Center is available 24/7 at 8005111 to answer questions and provide further information.
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