UAE launches visa amnesty with two-month grace period starting Sept 1

The UAE has announced a new visa forgiveness initiative, offering a two-month grace period from September 1 until October 30 for individuals looking to stabilize their visa status or leave the country. This initiative, organized by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), applies to various visa categories, including expired residencies and tourist visas, as well as to those without proper documentation. However, illegal individuals who entered the UAE are not eligible for this amnesty.

Those seeking to adjust their status can do so without incurring fines or fees, and they also have the option to depart the UAE without facing a travel ban. A 14-day departure permit will be provided to those wishing to leave, but failure to do so within the allotted time will result in the reinstatement of fines and restrictions.

The initiative also provides relief for family members whose sponsors have expired residencies, allowing them to adjust their status without facing financial or legal penalties. To manage the expected demand, fingerprint centres across the UAE will extend their operating hours until 10 pm.

The Philippine Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have encouraged their citizens to take advantage of the amnesty program to either regularize their stay or leave the country without legal repercussions.

In a joint statement, the Philippine missions in the UAE emphasized, "The amnesty programme is a fresh start, providing expatriates with the chance to rectify their immigration status. For those unable to secure legitimate employment within the UAE, this program allows you to return to the Philippines with dignity and the option to re-enter the UAE in the future with the appropriate visa."

This amnesty program follows the previous initiative in August 2018, which ran until December after being extended for two months.