The visa amnesty scheme in the UAE, which started on September 1, has prompted many families living illegally in the country to consider returning to their home countries in search of a better future for their children. This initiative allows undocumented expats to leave the UAE without paying overstay fines and exit fees and return at any time with the right visa. As a result, individuals like Rachel Ashaba, a Ugandan expat, are making the difficult decision to leave despite not wanting to. Rachel faced challenges like losing her job during the Covid-19 pandemic, giving birth to her second child without access to healthcare, and uncertainties about her children’s future.
Rachel’s story is just one of many examples highlighting the struggles faced by illegal expats in the UAE. The visa amnesty scheme has already received nearly 20,000 applications in its first week in Dubai, with a significant number of applicants opting to stay in the country. However, individuals like Konchhxog Tamang Yanjan, a Nepali expat, and Sabreen Salim, a Yemeni expat, are choosing to leave to provide a better life for their children. The financial strain, mounting hospital bills, and the desire for a stable future for their children are some of the reasons driving these families to return to their home countries.
Sabreen Salim, for instance, overstayed her visit visa due to pregnancy complications, accumulating fines that made leaving the country difficult. With a 6-year-old and a 10-month-old, Sabreen is hopeful for a fresh start for her children and emphasizes the importance of education for her son. The struggles faced by these families highlight the tough decisions that many illegal expats must make. Nala, an Indonesian mother of two, is also considering returning home to provide her children with a brighter future. Despite their attachment to the UAE, these families prioritize their children’s education and the stability of legitimate documentation.
As these families prepare to leave the UAE, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) reports that 88% of expats who applied during the first week of the initiative chose to remain in the country. The Al Aweer Service Center has seen around 2,400 amnesty seekers, underscoring the impact of the visa amnesty scheme. The stories of Rachel, Konchhxog, Sabreen, and Nala shed light on the challenges faced by illegal expats in the UAE and the difficult decisions they must make for the well-being of their children. Ultimately, the visa amnesty scheme offers an opportunity for families to start anew, prioritize their children’s education, and pave the way for a brighter future in their home countries.
