The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has announced that they will be accepting applicants for the UAE visa amnesty programme starting on September 1 and running until October 30. Applicants can visit any of the 86 Amer centres across Dubai or the designated location at the GDRFA centre in Al Awir. The Amer centres will handle services such as ‘change status’ and issuing departure permits for those with biometric fingerprints, while the Al Awir Centre will serve as the fingerprinting facility and issue departure permits for those wishing to leave the country.
Visa violators taking advantage of the amnesty will be allowed to leave the UAE without any administrative restrictions preventing their return. There will be no ban stamp on their passport, and they can re-enter the UAE on a valid visa. Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the director-general of the GDRFA, stated that the amnesty programme reflects the UAE’s humanitarian values and Dubai’s commitment to tolerance, community compassion, respect, and the rule of law. Maj-Gen Salah Al Qamzi, GDRFA’s assistant director-general, assured that their teams would process customer procedures efficiently and provide all necessary facilities.
The GDRFA’s call centre is available for those seeking information about the amnesty scheme. Maj-Gen Salah Al Qamzi urged individuals to obtain information only from official sources and verify details through the GDRFA call centre at 8005111, which operates 24/7. The amnesty programme covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Individuals born without documents can also rectify their status, and those who absconded from their sponsors can apply as well. However, individuals who entered the country illegally are not eligible for the amnesty.
The UAE visa amnesty programme demonstrates the country’s commitment to tolerance and respect for the law as stated by Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri. The programme aims to offer individuals the chance to rectify their status and either stay in the country legally or return to their home countries without facing further restrictions. The GDRFA has set up multiple Amer centres and the Al Awir Centre to facilitate the processing of applications and the issuance of departure permits. Those interested in the amnesty scheme are encouraged to contact the GDRFA call centre for accurate information and assistance with their applications.
Overall, the UAE visa amnesty programme provides a lifeline for visa violators to regularize their status and either stay in the country legally or exit without facing repercussions. The programme reflects the UAE’s humanitarian values and commitment to tolerance, compassion, and the rule of law. With support from the GDRFA and other government authorities, individuals can avail of this opportunity and ensure compliance with the country’s immigration regulations. By leveraging the resources provided by the GDRFA, applicants can navigate the process smoothly and benefit from the amnesty programme before it concludes on October 30.
