UAE extends amnesty for overstayers with expired visa

  DUBAI – Holders of UAE residence visa, visit visa tourist visa that expired before March 1 have been given extended amnesty until the end of the year, authorities announced on Tuesday (November 17). They now have until December 31 to either leave the country or get a new visa. Those who leave the country will avoid paying fines for overstaying. On Tuesday, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) announced a six-week amnesty period for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Major General Saeed Al Rashidi, director general of ICA, said all fines will be waived for those leaving the UAE. Without a fine waiver, people with expired residence visas face fines of Dh25 per day and an additional Dh20 daily penalty for failing to renew their Emirates ID. They will also pay additional Dh250 upon leaving the country. Those with expired tourist visas or visit visas will face a Dh200 fine for the first day and Dh100 per day on succeeding days. The amnesty does not apply to those whose visa expired after March 1. ICA/Expat Media

How to apply for amnesty in UAE in 2020

To exit the UAE, amnesty seekers must book their travel tickets, confirm their boarding passes; and travel from any of these airports: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

I have an expired residence visa. How do I apply for amnesty?

Book a one-way ticket through the airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, then go to the airport with a valid passport and  your one-way ticket.

I have an expired tourist/visit visa. How do I apply for amnesty?

For Dubai: Report at a special checking station 48 hours before departure. Bring your passport, copy of expired visit visa or tourist visa, and airline ticket. The checking stations are located in: - Civil Aviation Security Centre, Dubai Airport, Terminal 2 - Deportation Centre, Dubai Airport, Terminal 2 For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah: Report to the airport six hours before departure. Bring your passport, copy of expired visit visa or tourist visa, and airline ticket.

Who are exempted from going to the checking centers?

People under the age of 15 and people with special needs.

What number can I call for amnesty information?

You can call the toll-free number 800453 between 8am and 10pm, except on holidays.

How soon should I arrive at the airport?

You should arrive not more than four hours before your scheduled departure time.

What should I bring with me?

Your airline ticket. Only ticket holders will be allowed to enter the terminal building. You are also required to wear a facemask and a pair of gloves.

What is the fine for overstaying your visa in the UAE?

Visa overstayers will incur a fine of Dh25 per day. When leaving the country, the fine is Dh250 plus Dh25 per day.

What is the amnesty all about?

The amnesty lets anyone with a visa that expired before March 1 to exit the UAE without paying fines.

When is the amnesty period?

The amnesty period began on May 18. It is now extended until December 31, 2020, giving violators the chance to leave the country without incurring fines or blacklist.

Who can avail of amnesty?

Anyone holding a UAE tourist visa, visit visa or residency visa that expired before March 1, 2020 can avail of the amnesty if they leave the country on or before December 31, 2020.

What about visa law violators?

The amnesty also covers visa law violators, if the violations took place before March 1.

What if my visa expired after March 1?

Read updated rules here.

What if my visa was cancelled before or after March 1?

You will need to exit the UAE before August 18 if you no longer wish to stay in the country and would like to leave without paying fines.

What if my visa was cancelled before or after March 1 and I still want to stay in the UAE?

You will need to apply for a new residence visa, visit visa or tourist visa in order to continue staying in the UAE. Read updated rules here ALSO READ: New Abu Dhabi freelancer visa: All you need to know ICA/Expat Media
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