The UAE is set to launch an amnesty scheme on September 1, allowing residence visa violators to regularize their status and fly home without facing fines. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) is expected to provide details on the procedures involved in the two-month grace period for overstayers. Social workers and immigration advisors are encouraging illegal residents to take advantage of the amnesty, assuring them that they will not face a ban and can return to the UAE in the future.
Amnesty-seekers are advised to secure a residency visa or an offer letter from a UAE company before leaving the country to make the return process smoother. It has been confirmed by officials that residence visa violators will not face any ban and can return to the UAE at any time. Unlike previous amnesties, there will be no designated tents or activities at immigration offices this time. The process will be handled at approved typing centers across the UAE, making it easier and more user-friendly for overstayers to apply.
To raise awareness about the amnesty scheme, the Indian Association Sharjah is launching awareness campaigns, ensuring that the community is fully informed about the opportunity. The association will also set up a dedicated counter in their office to offer advice on how to clear illegal residency. The help desk will be open from 9 am to 6 pm daily throughout the amnesty period. It is crucial for overstayers to be aware of the initiative to make the best use of this opportunity to regularize their status and avoid any future complications.
Immigration advisor Ali Saeed Al Kaabi emphasized that once an overstayer regularizes their visa status, they can return to the UAE without restrictions. It is advisable for overstayers to obtain a residency permit before leaving the country to facilitate their return process. President of the Indian Association Sharjah, Nissar Thalangara, confirmed that during the last amnesty, overstayers faced a ban for a certain period, but this time, they will not face any ban and can return to the UAE at any time. The amnesty program by the UAE authorities allows violators to avoid fines and ensures their return to the country in the future.
The amnesty scheme offers residence visa violators a fresh start to regularize their status and fly home without facing fines. It is important for overstayers to take advantage of the opportunity, secure a residency visa or offer letter before departure, and be fully informed about the process to avoid any future complications. The amnesty aims to make the return process smoother for illegal residents and ensure that they can return to the UAE without facing any bans. Awareness campaigns by organizations like the Indian Association Sharjah are essential to inform the community about the amnesty and help overstayers make the best use of this opportunity.
