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UAE Visa Amnesty Helps 236,000 Residency Violators in Dubai

The UAE’s four-month visa amnesty, which ended on December 31, benefitted 236,000 residency violators in Dubai, according to an announcement on Monday by Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

Lt Gen Al Marri expressed gratitude to strategic partners for their contributions to the initiative’s success. The program enabled violators to adjust their status or leave the country. Of the total beneficiaries, over 55,000 individuals have already departed the UAE, while others are in the process of leaving.

Significant Outcomes of the Initiative

“A total of 55,200 exit permits were issued to violators of residency and visa laws. Around 41,000 violators have already departed, with the remaining cases still underway,” said Lt Gen Al Marri. He noted the challenges faced in arranging departures, such as limited availability of travel tickets and high costs. To address these issues, GDRFA Dubai provided financial support to those unable to afford travel expenses.

Extended Grace Period

The amnesty period, which began on September 1, was extended by two months to coincide with the UAE’s 53rd National Day celebrations in December. The grace period, which included waivers of financial penalties and administrative restrictions, officially concluded on December 31. Lt Gen Al Marri described the initiative as unprecedented in its smooth procedures, excellent organization, and efficient processing.

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Call to Action Before Deadline

Lt Gen Al Marri urged violators to take advantage of the amnesty before the deadline, warning that penalties and inspection campaigns would resume immediately after. “This extended grace period is the final chance to settle violations without penalties or bans,” he stated.

Categories Eligible for Amnesty

The initiative applied to various categories of violators, including:

  • Residency and visa violators
  • Individuals listed in administrative reports
  • Those who left their jobs without legal grounds
  • Foreign-born children whose residency was not regularized within four months of birth

Support for Hardship Cases

The program provided assistance to violators facing difficulties, including unemployment or exploitation by middlemen. Dubai task forces helped individuals secure travel tickets and adjust their legal status. Some violators were successfully employed in private-sector companies through coordination between GDRFA Dubai and businesses in need of workers.

Tackling Exploitation

Lt Gen Al Marri highlighted cases of exploitation, where middlemen in violators’ home countries falsely promised job opportunities in the UAE. Others faced financial challenges or were impacted by company bankruptcies. He praised Dubai’s Labor Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources for addressing these issues and ensuring labor market stability.

Collaborative Efforts with Embassies

The initiative saw collaboration with embassies and consulates to address the root causes of labor exploitation. Diplomatic missions actively participated in assisting violators and ensuring humane treatment for all.

Commitment to Security and Stability

Lt Gen Al Marri concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat labor exploitation and uphold the security, stability, and dignity of all individuals in the UAE.