Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Discounts on airfares will be offered to visa amnesty applicants who decide to leave the country, the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed. The ICP revealed that they have reached out to several UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia, to offer discounted flight tickets for amnesty applicants who wish to leave the country but are currently experiencing financial difficulties. The authority earlier confirmed that those who choose to leave the country after changing their residency status will not get an entry ban and can return to UAE with a valid visa. The two-month amnesty program finally began on Sunday and there has been a surge in applicants visiting service and typing centers in hopes of regularising their residency status. The amnesty programme will cover all types of visas, including tourist and other expired visas. Those who absconded from their sponsors and foreigners born in the UAE whose parents have not registered his or her residency within four months from the date of birth can also apply. Those who wish to regularise their residency status will also receive assistance from their respective embassies, with the Philippine, Indian, and Pakistani missions offering services to support their citizens applying for the amnesty. For overstayers who wish to apply for the amnesty, learn the full details here. FLE/Expat Media  
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