Starting today, September 1, 2024, national and international airlines will offer discounted tickets for people who have overstayed their visas and want to return home. This offer is part of a two-month grace period announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).
The ICP has coordinated with airlines to provide these discounts and urges violators to use this opportunity to fix their visa status. They can apply online or at approved typing offices, avoiding in-person visits unless needed for biometric fingerprinting.
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is set to manage this grace period. They will assist residents and visitors through the Amer Model Centres and a dedicated location in Al Aweer for handling visa status issues. These centres will offer all necessary services and provide departure permits for those who have already done biometric fingerprinting.
GDRFA officials stress the importance of getting information from official sources and not from rumors. For accurate details, people can contact the Amer Call Centre at 8005111, available 24/7.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
