UAE Extends Visa Amnesty Program Until December 31: Final Opportunity for Overstayers to Regularize Status Without Penalties
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended its visa amnesty program, giving overstayers an additional two months to either regularize their status or make departure arrangements without facing penalties. Initially launched on September 1 and scheduled to end on October 31, the program now offers a grace period until December 31, allowing more individuals to benefit from this final opportunity.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security announced the extension as part of its commitment to support those seeking legal pathways. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director of the federal authority, emphasized that this would be the last chance for overstayers to avoid fines and potential bans. “This is the last opportunity for overstayers to settle their status without facing a ban,” Al Khaili stated, highlighting the strong public response to the initiative.
The amnesty program is designed to help those who have overstayed their visas to either renew or amend their documentation or, if needed, leave the UAE without facing legal repercussions. In the weeks leading up to the original deadline, immigration centers in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi witnessed a surge in applications, prompting officials to extend the program to meet the overwhelming demand. The extension is expected to accommodate even more people, particularly those who may be seeking legal employment or residency options.
From January 1, 2025, individuals residing in the UAE without a valid visa will face strict enforcement measures and fines, making this extension a crucial window for overstayers. Authorities have clarified that this is a final extension, and no further grace period will be provided. Overstayers are encouraged to take advantage of this time to avoid future financial or legal consequences.
The amnesty program offers several paths for overstayers: securing employment, updating visa documents, or exiting the UAE without penalties. Lieutenant Colonel Salem bin Ali, head of the Customer Happiness Department at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, advised individuals unable to find employment to consider leaving the country. This, he noted, would allow them to return on a valid visa in the future if they wish.
Dubai’s Al Awir immigration center, along with other key centers across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahamah, are facilitating the amnesty process. Each center has increased staff to manage the influx of applicants, with specialized typing centers assisting individuals in completing the necessary paperwork. The program is accessible across all UAE emirates, ensuring that every region has adequate facilities to help people navigate the process.
This final extension is an opportunity for thousands to regularize their status without penalties, reflecting the UAE’s focus on fostering a legally compliant residency environment while offering support to those needing assistance.