Since the UAE’s visa amnesty started on September 1, hundreds and thousands of illegal expats have either adjusted their status or left the country.
However, one question that immigration experts continue to ask is whether or not the amnesty will take care of infractions and penalties that occur after Sept. 1.
As per the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, and Customs Port Security (ICP), any violations made after 1 September will not be included in the scheme. Also, those reported to be skipping after the date will not keep the program.
This came as the ICP gave additional details about the two-month amnesty scheme. Eligible amnesty applicants are exempted from administrative, establishment cards, ID cards, and work contract-related fines. An exclusion for those who voluntarily leave the country.
Here are some other questions the ICP addressed:
What is it if one cannot regularize their status within that time?
The amnesty is applicable from September 1 to October 30. If they are not legal residents and do not take the opportunity to regularize their status during this time, then all appropriate fines and penalties will be assessed.
What is the validity period of the departure permit after fingerprinting?
Any departure permits issued during this time will be good for two weeks. If the permit expires before the person leaves then all the old fines and penalties will kick back into effect.
How are traffic and vehicle licensing violations handled if someone is leaving the country?
They are directed to “waive the vehicle” before the departure. This means that they forgo any monetary right to it.
Which categories are eligible for the grace period?
Those with expired or invalid residency permits, individuals whose visas have expired, those listed in administrative work discontinuation reports, and foreign-born individuals whose residency was not registered within four months of birth.
What are other advantages of the grace period?
The grace period offers two more advantages, including:
- Waivers for different kinds of fees like the ones for cancelling residency and visa, stopping work, and leaving permits.
- It lets people leave the country and not get hit with a ban on re-entry as long as they clear up their status within the grace period.
