UAE visa amnesty extended to December 31

DUBAI: The UAE has extended its visa amnesty programme, originally set to end on October 31, until December 31, 2024.

This programme, unique in its scope, allows people with expired or overstayed visas to regularise their status without paying fines or facing entry bans. Officials state that this extension aims to help residents affected by unforeseen circumstances, aligning with the UAE’s humanitarian values and marking the nation’s 53rd Union Day.

Lt. Col. Salem M. Bin Ali of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) highlighted the programme’s distinctiveness, saying, “This visa amnesty scheme is unlike anything we’ve launched before,” and described it as a generous initiative to help individuals in challenging situations. Under this scheme, visa holders can visit designated centers or use online channels to address residency issues efficiently.

This extension is available for visa holders across different emirates. Dubai visa holders should contact Dubai immigration, Sharjah visa holders should approach Sharjah’s authorities, and Abu Dhabi visa holders should consult Abu Dhabi immigration. Authorities have stated that no further extensions will be offered, urging eligible individuals to act promptly.

Running since September 1, the programme has received a strong response,specially as the initial deadline approached. “Visa amnesty programmes like this allow overstayers to settle their residency issues without fines or entry bans,” said UAE officials, encouraging all eligible residents to use this last opportunity to avoid future penalties.