Hope High as the October 31 Deadline Approaches with Visa Amnesty
The Dubai-based Al Awir Centre has doubled its number of immigration officers. It will help them to address last-minute visa amnesty applicants. There was a surge of overstayers seeking to regularize their status before the deadline on October 31.
Thousands have been queuing at centers throughout the UAE this week. They aim to collect their exit permits, saving themselves from fines in case of exiting the country. GDRFA director for the customer happiness department Lt. Col. Salem bin Ali said: “We expect a big presence during the last week as always with amnesties.” But there will not be a grace period extension.
Work and Exit Permit Relief Available During Amnesty
Companies are not encouraged to hire overstayers because time for processing is limited. Applicants can always come back in the future to look for employment legally. “If you can’t get a job now, leave the country, but you’re welcome to return,” Lt. Col. bin Ali reassured applicants. Those obtaining exit passes on October 31 will have 14 days to leave the country without incurring fines.
The GDRFA has recommended that Emirati ID holders take their exit passes at Amer centers. Others must offer their fingerprints and wait for three days to get exit passes. Every day, the Al Awir function opens from 8. a.m. to 8 p.m. to help individuals.
Recently, a Nigerian national named Chibuzo entered the emirate in 2020 on a visit visa. He was unable to find work after his visa expired. The man overstayed and earned fines amounting to Dh80,000. He said, “I booked my flight for October 31 and hope to return to the UAE later to secure work legally.”
The UAE will provide individuals with legal means of living and working in the Emirates. The government will offer new visa options in 2022. These options will include green visas and other categories for business owners.
