Amnesty seekers at Al Aweer centre in Dubai. GDRFA

Overstayers in the UAE, even those with ongoing legal issues, are encouraged to apply for the extended visa amnesty program. Legal experts advise that overstayers should first secure legal residency through the amnesty before dealing with court cases. The programme offers a chance to settle visa problems without penalties, even if they have pending legal matters. The amnesty, extended until December 31, 2024, clears up confusion for those who thought they could not apply due to active cases or missing documents like passports. Special support is also in place to help applicants who need fingerprinting or extra paperwork, making the process easier for many. With this extension, overstaying expats have more time to regularise their residency status and avoid future issues. Authorities also remind companies not to hire illegal residents without a work permit, as this could lead to serious consequences and fines of up to Dh1 million. FLE/Expat Media
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