Foreigners overstaying their visas in the UAE are being urged to take advantage of the last day of the two-month visa amnesty program, which concludes on October 31. Lt. Col. Salem M. Bin Ali, director of the Customer Happiness Department at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, advised those without job offers to leave the country now and reapply later.
“There is no re-entry ban and no fines for those who utilize the amnesty,” Bin Ali stated, emphasizing that the program, which began on September 1, covers all visa types, including tourist and expired residency visas.
Many overstayers have flocked to the GDRFA Al Awir Centre, with some expressing concern about returning to their home countries without securing employment. Imran, a 45-year-old Pakistani who overstayed his tourist visa for nearly a year, shared, “I waited for the last minute before applying for the amnesty because I was still awaiting a job offer. I don’t have money to pay fines, so I will be going home for now and applying for re-entry later.”
Similarly, Nepali expatriate Khabir, who received an exit pass, noted, “I did not pay any fines, but I was told I only have 14 days to leave the country. I hope to return soon with a proper employment visa.”
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced that there will be no extension to the amnesty program, and stricter measures, including deportations and a no-entry list for violators, will follow. Maj-Gen Sultan Al Nuaimi, ICP director-general, stressed that this is a final opportunity for individuals to rectify their status without penalties.
GDRFA officials have increased staffing to manage the expected influx of last-minute applicants, with services available at ICP centers, approved typing centers, and online channels.
This marks the UAE’s fourth visa amnesty program since 2007, with the last one occurring six years ago. The current initiative offers a crucial chance for visa violators to adjust their status or leave the country without incurring fines.
