UAE Extends Visa Amnesty: Overstayers with Legal Cases Urged to Regularise Residency

In a significant opportunity for UAE residents overstaying their visas, legal and immigration experts are urging those with pending court cases to prioritize obtaining legal residency. The extended visa amnesty period runs until December 31, 2024.

Many residents are unaware that they qualify for the amnesty despite unresolved legal issues, potentially allowing them to stabilize their status in the UAE.

“First, legalize your residency status, then address your legal case. This is a one-time opportunity,” urged Masiuddin Mohammed of the Quality Government Service Centre in DIP 1, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Social worker Abdullah Kamampalam in Sharjah highlighted that some residents delay applying for amnesty due to misconceptions about eligibility.

“Many have postponed because they expect more extensions or lack valid passports, yet this opportunity is a lifeline,” he explained.

Resolving System and Documentation Issues

Immigration professionals noted initial processing delays for some residents due to missing fingerprint records in the immigration system, particularly affecting those who entered on visit visas.

“Without fingerprint records, they couldn’t process amnesty at Amer centres. Overstayers with visit visas must complete regularization through the GDRFA tent in Al Awir,” Mohammed clarified.

Experts at Al Hijrah Businessmen Services, a government transaction center, observed a surge in applicants as the original deadline neared.

“The extension was anticipated, as the UAE government consistently offers more time to support people in formalizing their status through the right channels,” a spokesperson explained.

He also acknowledged that extending the amnesty has allowed more people to resolve their status, calling it “a huge help for those needing to regularize.”

Cases with Complicated Status Issues

Kamampalam shared examples of individuals facing challenges due to missing or expired documentation. One case involved a business owner whose expired passport delayed his visa processing, leading to illegal residency.

Another case concerned a stylist in Abu Dhabi who lost her passport before her visa was stamped, ultimately requiring her to return home to obtain a new one.

Kamampalam advised overstayers missing valid documents to consider travel documents to facilitate their return to the UAE with renewed documentation.

A Final Call to Action for Overstayers

With the amnesty deadline extended, experts underscore that this period may be the last opportunity for overstayers to adjust their residency.

“Don’t take this lightly; this is the final chance to regularize your status,” Kamampalam emphasized, urging immediate action to avoid fines or penalties.

The UAE visa amnesty was originally set to end on October 31 but has been extended through December 31, allowing thousands more to stabilize their status.

Experts also urge employers to ensure employees have valid work permits, as hiring undocumented workers can have serious legal implications.

“I advise all companies to avoid hiring anyone without a valid work permit,” warned Mohammed, highlighting the amnesty as an opportunity for both residents and employers to ensure compliance.