Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Visa violators in the UAE who will avail of the amnesty starting September 1 will not be banned from re-entering the country, authorities reiterated. The amnesty period for those who have overstayed their residence visa, visit visa or tourist visa will run from September 1 until October 31, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). According to the ICP, those who are granted amnesty are given a 14-day grace period to correct their status or leave the country. Those who decide to leave the country will not be banned from re-entering the UAE and will not have a ban stamp placed on their passports, according to the authority. In a media briefing on Wednesday (August 28), Major General Suhail Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, said that the amnesty will also apply to employees who have absconded from their work, as well as expat children born in the UAE but remained unregistered within four months from their date of birth. During the two-month amnesty period, violators who have successfully applied for amnesty will see their overstay fines waived, along with fines related to establishment card, Emirates ID and non-submission of employment contract or contract renewal copy. Amnesty grantees will also be exempted from paying visa cancellation fees, departure permit fees and the fee to lift a report for absconding from work. Individuals can apply for amnesty through the ICP app or website, any Amer center in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs office, any ICP center or any approved typing centre in the UAE. ICP centres are open from 7am to 8pm. ICA/Expat Media
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