Amnesty seekers at Al Aweer centre in Dubai. GDRFA

UAE authorities extend exit passes for visa amnesty applicants, allowing them to leave until October 31, as announced on Tuesday (September 24). Previously, the exit pass given to amnesty applicants, who wish to leave the country, was only valid for 14 days. Now, the authorities extended it until the end of the programme. These changes will be clearly stated on the outpass provided to amnesty applicants, allowing them to leave the country at any time until the end of the amnesty period. However, authorities still advise amnesty applicants to leave the country as soon as possible, warning that waiting could lead to higher flight prices as airfares tend to increase during the winter season. The ongoing visa amnesty programme will run until October 31, allowing overstaying expats to regularise their status without facing legal consequences, entry bans, and paying fines. During its first week, nearly 20,000 violators sought amnesty with 88% of them choosing to stay in the country. Meanwhile, the other percentage decided to leave the country. As of September 20, over 100 Filipino amnesty applicants were repatriated to the Philippines. For overstayers who wish to regularise their status and apply for amnesty, here's a full guide: FLE/Expat Media
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