The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has announced that it is all set to implement the grace period initiative for individuals violating residency regulations.
The preparations have been finalised following the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security’s (ICP) decision to launch the Amnesty Programme for illegal residents from 1st September 2024.
The programme, which runs until 30th October 2024, applies to all visa types, including tourist and expired residency visas. It also extends to individuals born without documentation and those who have absconded from their sponsors. However, individuals who entered the country illegally are not eligible.
The programme aligns with the UAE’s commitment to promoting respect for the law, tolerance, and social cohesion. It provides an opportunity for visa violators to correct their status through simple, flexible procedures. Participants can secure their rights and either exit the country safely or continue to live and work in the UAE legally.
Key details include eligibility for anyone with expired visas, including family members of sponsors, absconders, and those born in the UAE but not registered within four months of birth. However, those who violate residency rules after September 1, 2024, or have deportation cases in the UAE or GCC, are not eligible. There is no entry ban for those who avail themselves of the amnesty, meaning they can return to the UAE on valid visas without any restrictions or ban stamps.
The programme also waives fines related to overstaying, expired UAE national IDs, and unrenewed work contracts. In Dubai, amnesty services will be provided at all Amer centres and the GDRFA centre in Al Awir. In Abu Dhabi, services will be available at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqa, and Al Shahama, with extended hours from 7 AM to 10 PM. Biometric fingerprinting is required, and those wishing to leave the UAE can obtain an exit permit either directly if their fingerprints are already on record or after visiting designated centres for fingerprinting.
For further personal clarification residents are advised to seek information from their official channels such as the call centre at 8005111, which operates 24/7.
