UAE Visa Amnesty Extended, Helping Overstayers Until December

News Desk

Islamabad: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a two-month extension of the UAE visa amnesty program, which will now conclude on December 31, 2024.

Originally launched on September 1 and set to end on October 31, the amnesty initiative has enabled thousands of residents to regularize their visa status, with authorities waiving millions in fines for overstayers.

This extension aligns with the UAE’s 53rd Union Day celebrations, reflecting the country’s humanitarian and civilized values. ICP Director General Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili emphasized that this decision demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to helping individuals who wish to rectify their residency status.

He remarked that the extension offers “the last chance for violators to regularize their status without facing fines or re-entry bans.”

Al Khaili pointed out a significant surge in applications as the original deadline neared, urging violators to take advantage of this additional period. However, he warned that fines would be reinstated for those who continue to overstay beyond the new deadline and mentioned that the ICP plans to increase inspections on violators after the deadline.

This is the UAE’s fourth amnesty program since 2007, with the most recent one in 2018 also being extended to allow more residents to regularize their status. Overstayers can apply for amnesty at ICP centers, approved typing centers, or through online channels across the UAE.