The UAE has announced details of its upcoming visa amnesty initiative, which will run from 1 September to 30 October 2024.
Last month, officials revealed that the country will launch a new visa amnesty programme, following the previous one held in 2018.
This initiative aims to assist residents and visitors in regularising their visa status or leaving the country without facing penalties.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has stated that the amnesty covers various visa categories, including expired residencies, tourist visas, and undocumented individuals.
However, the ICP emphasised that those who entered the UAE illegally are not eligible. Compliant individuals will benefit from waived fines and fees, and those opting to leave will receive a 14-day departure permit. Failure to leave within this period will lead to the reinstatement of fines and restrictions.
Family members of individuals with expired residencies can also rectify their status without incurring financial or legal penalties.
To meet the anticipated demand, fingerprint centres will extend their operating hours until 10 pm. The ICP outlined the initiative’s details on social network X on Wednesday:
This amnesty is expected to provide significant relief for those who have breached regulations, as the financial penalty for overstaying visas has been standardised at AED 50 per day.