19,772 individuals in Dubai rectified their visa status through UAE amnesty initiative since Sept.1

Somaiya Saad, Staff Reporter

In its ongoing commitment to the 'Together Towards a Safer Society' initiative, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) maintains a prominent role in the implementation of the initiative launched by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which aims to rectify the status of residency overstayers in the UAE. One of the principal tenets of this initiative is the Amer centres, which constitute a comprehensive platform for the delivery of humanitarian services, thereby enabling individuals to regularise their status in accordance with the federal laws of the UAE.

The Amer centres, which are distributed across 86 locations in various regions of Dubai, offer a range of services related to residency renewal, status rectification, departure permits, and document replacement, in addition to providing essential consultations to streamline the associated procedures. To date, the GDRFA has successfully facilitated the status correction of 19,772 individuals, while 7,401 departure permits have been issued to those who have violated the terms of their residence and who have expressed a desire to return to their homes.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, has stated that Amer centres are striving to fulfil the objectives of the initiative by providing optimal services, including guidance and counselling, as well as expediting the necessary procedures for modifying the status of violators. The continued collaboration between the Department and the Federal Authority plays a pivotal role in bolstering community security and attaining the desired stability.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri further stated, "We are firmly committed to extending comprehensive assistance to all individuals seeking to rectify their status, whether through the services offered by Amer centres or through the dedicated team tasked with streamlining and facilitating the process."

The initiative plays an instrumental role in fostering a stable and secure environment within the UAE. It underscores the humanitarian values espoused by the UAE in providing support to residents and in achieving a more stable and cohesive society.

Lieutenant Colonel Salem Mohammed Bin Ali, Director of Amer's Customer Happiness Department, further commented that the level of attendance at all Amer centres across Dubai is satisfactory, with the highest standards of service being provided, which result in a reduction of time and effort.

He urged all individuals in violation of the law to avail themselves of this humanitarian opportunity to rectify their status in accordance with the relevant legislation, or to choose to leave the country of their own volition. The Department recommends that customers consult the Amer centres or call 8005111, which is available 24/7, for further information and assistance. Should further information or assistance be required, the team is available at all times to provide the necessary support.