New amnesty for UAE visa violators shortly

DUBAI: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship is formulating a general amnesty for foreign violators of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) residency laws that will allow for a grace period for illegal residents to rectify their visa status.

The UAE official news agency reported that those, who have such a status won’t face legal consequences, will be exempt from violation fines. The move comes against the backdrop of the UAE cabinet decision on visa facilitations for visitors, residents, families and people overstaying their visa to cater for a wider segment of the society. The new amnesty rule termed “Protect Yourself via Rectifying Your Status” will be launched soon.

The Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Ali Mohammed bin Hammad Al Shamsi, also stated that the violators will have the option to either rectify their legal status through paying nominal fees, or leave the UAE voluntarily without having to suffer any legal consequences, along with waiving any fines they may have due to their illegal stay.

Recently, the UAE cabinet has approved a new legislative package, including a review of the current residency system to allow a two-year extension of the residency period for the dependents of their parents after finishing their university studies.

The UAE officials urged all violators, sponsors and members of the public to take advantage of the amnesty and the facilities provided by the government through this initiative--a far better than previous ones as it offers an opportunity for the offender to get a job and without having to leave the country.