UAE Announces Temporary Relief for Residency Violators

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a simpler amnesty program for people who have overstayed their visas or violated residency rules. From September 1st to October 31st, 2024, these individuals can fix their status without facing any fines or administrative issues. This program reflects the UAE’s commitment to the values of mercy and understanding by helping people legalize their stay with ease.

Who is Eligible?

The temporary relief is specifically for those with expired residence permits, overstayed visas, noted work interruptions, and children born in the UAE whose guardians have not secured residency within four months. However, those who do not correct their status by October 31st, and those documented for work interruptions after this date will not benefit from this amnesty. Also, cases involving deportation are excluded.

Participants who successfully adjust their status will avoid financial penalties and will be allowed to re-enter the UAE without issues in the future.

How to Apply

People can apply for this amnesty online or at designated printing offices, avoiding the need to visit service centers except for biometric verification. Service centers will remain open until 8:00 PM, and online applications are accepted around the clock.

Service centers are equipped with biometric devices spread across various Emirates, including multiple locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates such as Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al-Quwain, Ajman, and Fujairah.

Employers can either cancel the current work permit or report a worker’s abandonment through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation if they wish to change a violating worker’s status. Workers wanting to switch employers must obtain a new work permit, and those leaving the UAE must apply for an exit permit. If a worker’s residency is expired but holds a valid work permit, the employer can renew it without resolving any pending complaints.