Just two months back, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security had announced an extension to the UAE visa amnesty program, now ending on December 31, 2024. The program, which started on September 1, was initially set to end on October 31.
However, now, a senior official from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is urging illegal residents to fix their visa status as soon as possible or return to their home countries without facing fines.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, stressed the importance of acting quickly, saying overstayers should use the remaining time to resolve their status. He further encouraged communities to help raise awareness about the amnesty, sharing the success stories of those who have already benefited.
He pointed out that the initiative has assisted many individuals, including families and children, and reminded overstayers that they have fewer than 15 days left to take advantage of the opportunity before it expires.
Moreover, he believes that while many are happy with the amnesty initiatives, he is concerned about the few who choose to ignore them. “They should understand that we are here to help you,” he said.
Al Marri highlighted the humanitarian side of the amnesty; how they helped individuals without passports connect with their embassies, enabling them to return home happily.
Major General Salah Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector, warned that strict enforcement measures would follow after the grace period, including intensified inspections, reports Khaleej Times.
