Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Visa violators in the UAE who are currently jailed or detained have a chance to get amnesty in order to leave the UAE without penalties, an official said. Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatam, Senior Advocate General and Head of the Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution for Dubai Public Prosecution, said the amnesty offers a lifeline to those who have overstayed their visas or absconded from their sponsors. According to Dr. Khatam, the amnesty applies to individuals detained for visa violations, allowing them to exit the UAE after obtaining an exit pass without the burden of paying accumulated overstaying fines or facing prosecution. The process is streamlined to help violators resolve their cases swiftly and return to their home countries. Those who are eligible can approach amnesty centers across the UAE to apply for the exit pass, which will absolve them of fines and ensure their safe departure. However, they must return to the detention center they were held in after completing the paperwork to officially close their cases with the authorities. ALSO READ: All you need to know about UAE amnesty Dr. Khatam emphasized the importance of acting swiftly and urged detainees not to wait until the end of the amnesty period, which began in September and continues for two months. He pointed out that this opportunity offers visa violators a unique chance to rectify their legal status without fear of punitive measures. “Don’t wait until the last day of the amnesty. This is a rare chance for all nationalities to return home without fear of legal consequences,” Dr. Khatam said, encouraging detainees to take advantage of the program while it lasts.

Who are excluded from the amnesty?

The amnesty comes with certain limitations. Those who entered the UAE illegally or have ongoing deportation cases from GCC countries are not eligible for the program. Additionally, serious criminal offenders or individuals involved in unresolved legal disputes that fall outside the scope of visa violations are excluded from the amnesty. Children born without documentation and individuals who have overstayed their visas or absconded from their sponsors are eligible, provided they meet the criteria set out by the authorities. This initiative also extends to those with pending arrest warrants for visa-related offenses. Dr. Khatam assured that individuals who leave the UAE during the amnesty period will not face entry bans in the future, giving them the option to return under legal circumstances. The amnesty has already seen a strong response, with more than 1,000 people applying on the first day to either adjust their status or leave the country. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial and legal burdens that many visa offenders face, with daily fines for overstaying in the UAE reaching Dh50 for tourists and residents. Amnesty centers across the UAE, including Amer service centers in Dubai and ICP centers in Abu Dhabi, are prepared to assist individuals with the process. ICA/Expat Media
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