The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) began accepting applications from people who have overstayed their visas or violated residency rules.
This amnesty programme runs until October 30, 2024, and offers a chance for individuals to fix their status or leave the UAE without penalties.
People can apply through the ICP’s smart services, which are available 24/7 through 19 different channels.
Many typing centres in Abu Dhabi saw a large number of people on the first day, with some reporting a high volume of applications. These centres are also offering reduced fees to make it easier for people to apply.
For more information, the ICP encourages people to call their main contact centre at (600522222) or use other available channels like email, social media, chatbots, and their app. Applications can be submitted through approved printing offices, and only a visit to the service centre is needed for biometric fingerprinting.
The amnesty covers various groups: people who have overstayed visas, those with residency issues, people listed in administrative reports, and foreign-born children whose residency hasn’t been confirmed. However, it does not apply to those who violated their status after September 1, 2024, or who have been deported from the UAE or GCC countries.
The programme offers several benefits, including waiving fines for residency and visa violations, cancellation fees, and departure fees. It also allows people to leave the country without an entry ban stamp. Service centres will extend their hours to 8 pm on weekdays during the amnesty period to help with biometric fingerprinting.
This amnesty provides a unique opportunity to address visa and residency issues, helping both the UAE and its residents to achieve better security, stability, and social harmony.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
