Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Overstayers who wish to apply for the upcoming two-month amnesty scheme can also complete their applications online through the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website and smart channels, without the need to visit a service centre. However, a visit may be necessary for applicants with no biometric records. In this case, applicants will be notified and asked to visit a centre to complete the biometric record. Applicants who choose to obtain a residence permit should prepare all the required documents and submit the application through ICP's electronic and smart channels. If the applicant opts to leave the country, they should prepare their passport and ticket, and submit a departure permit request through ICP's electronic and smart channels. They will receive the permit immediately unless they are notified to visit the centres to complete the biometric record before receiving the electronic departure permit. This permit will be valid for 14 days and if it expires within the amnesty period, which runs until October 30, the individual is still allowed to depart. However, if the permit expires after the amnesty period and the individual has not left the country, the permit will be automatically cancelled. In this case, previous fines will be reinstated, and any applicable travel bans will be reactivated. UAE's two-month visa amnesty scheme will begin this Sunday (September 1) when the ICP will waive fines and other penalties, allowing visa violators to change their residency status or leave the country with ease. For overstayers who wish to regularise their residency status and apply for the amnesty, learn the full details here. FLE/Expat Media
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