Indonesian domestic worker Mariam faced many challenges while stranded in the UAE due to visa issues. She arrived in the country on a visit visa and had no access to basic necessities or contact with her family since February 2022. However, with the UAE’s visa amnesty scheme, Mariam was able to obtain a legal visa, providing her with much-needed relief and peace of mind.
Mariam’s troubles began when she entered the UAE on a promised job but faced harsh working conditions and mistreatment, eventually becoming an overstayer and an undocumented worker. Despite these challenges, she found help in resolving her visa issues and waiving fines through the amnesty scheme. Now, with her legal status restored, Mariam is working towards obtaining a new passport and is optimistic about her future in the UAE.
The UAE’s visa amnesty scheme, announced on September 1, offers residence visa violators a chance to regularize their status or leave the country without facing fines or penalties. This year’s scheme has two significant improvements, according to Rex Prakash, co-founder of Smart Life Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on assisting blue-collar workers. It allows individuals to depart without penalties and provides a pathway for those wishing to stay to secure employment and remain legally in the UAE.
Several non-profit organizations in the UAE, including Smart Life Foundation, help stranded expatriate workers utilize the amnesty scheme to resolve their legal issues and return home. In recent efforts, the organization assisted individuals like Mohammed, Faheem, and Padma, who were stranded on the streets with no means of rescue. Through their efforts, these individuals were able to return to their home countries and reunite with their families.
While the amnesty scheme provides a lifeline to those in need, there are concerns about potential misuse and loopholes that need to be addressed. Social activist Riji Joy emphasized the need for stronger implementation and awareness from origin countries to prevent exploitation by unauthorized recruitment agencies. The UAE government has introduced various initiatives to address these issues and engage with origin countries through platforms like the Abu Dhabi Dialogue.
Looking ahead, future editions of the amnesty scheme could benefit from provisions that offer better job opportunities to expatriates, lifting them from low-paying positions and improving their overall circumstances. The success of the 2024 amnesty scheme, which registered over 2,000 people in its first week, highlights the need for continued efforts to support and protect expatriate workers in the UAE.
