The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs facilitated a swift and efficient amnesty process. GDRFA

Nearly 20,000 visa violators have applied for the UAE’s amnesty scheme in its first week, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The UAE amnesty program allows individuals who have overstayed their visas to regularize their status or leave the country without incurring fines or bans. The scheme, launched on September 1 and running until October 30, has seen a strong response, with 98 percent of applications processed within 48 hours, according to the GDRFA. The authority has facilitated a swift and efficient process, with over 90 percent of applications submitted online. The Al Aweer Service Center alone processed over 2,300 individuals, while 60 service platforms were established to meet the high demand. GDRFA, in collaboration with foreign missions in Dubai, has assigned specialized teams to assist residents of various nationalities in navigating the amnesty process. These teams, along with consulates, have worked to ensure that applicants receive the necessary support. In addition to regularizing their status, many applicants have opted to leave the UAE voluntarily, benefiting from the scheme's waiver of exit fees and penalties. GDRFA continues to encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of the initiative before its October 30 deadline. The UAE government’s humanitarian approach has been widely praised, as it allows residents to rectify their legal status without fear of punitive action. The scheme is also expected to ease the strain on government resources, reducing the number of visa overstay cases and helping reintegrate eligible expats into society. ICA/Expat Media ALSO READ: All you need to know about UAE amnesty
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