People with visas that expired before March 1 can leave the country without penalties until August, a senior immigration official has said.
During a remote Press briefing held on Monday, Major-General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, director-general of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (Faic), said the amnesty scheme – which began on May 18 and will run until August 18 – will waive all overstay fines, provided the violators leave the country. “The amnesty applies to people who have been illegally staying in the country after their visas – visit, tourist or residency – expired before March 1.”
For UAE residents whose visas expired during the Covid-19 outbreak, their documents will remain valid until December 31. People on visit and tourist visas that expired after March 1 can also continue to stay in the UAE until December 31 without facing fines.
“Residents and visitors who have been staying illegally in the country before March 1 are exempted from all fines if they leave the UAE,” said Al Rashidi, adding that no ban will be put on the offenders that prevent them from returning to the UAE.
According to authorities, offenders wanting to leave the UAE under the current amnesty scheme must have a valid passport and a flight ticket taking them home.
“Unlike in the previous amnesty schemes which required prior registration at amnesty centres, this time the person seeking amnesty just has to go straight to the airport. Those with expired visit or tourist visas are required to arrive at the airport early,” said Al Rashidi.
He explained that amnesty seekers leaving through Dubai airport must visit the immigration department at the terminals 48 hours before the flight time. “For those departing from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah airports, they must arrive six hours before their flight time,” added Al Rashidi. “Immigration officials have been stationed at the airports to handle amnesty cases.”
Authorities said that amnesty seekers with dependents must ensure that all the family members leave together at the same time.
People of determination and children under 15 years of age have been exempted from going through the amnesty process at the airports.
A toll-free number (800 453) has been provided to help answer all questions related to the amnesty scheme.
