Exit permit will be cancelled automatically if beneficiary does not leave after amnesty, says UAE

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) has affirmed that the exit permit is valid for 14 days after issuance, noting that if the beneficiary does not leave within the said period, the permit will be automatically cancelled and previous fines and search warrant, if any, will be reinstated.

If an overstayer wishes to leave the country and had already fingerprint biometrics,  an exit permit would be issued directly for him, the ICP said, noting that if no fingerprint biometrics are available, the beneficiary would be requested to visit the specified fingerprinting centres, where an exit permit would be issued once the fingerprint procedures were completed.

The ICP called on overstayers to take the initiative and benefit from the amnesty granted to them to adjust their status by submitting their applications through its electronic and smart channels and approved printing offices, noting that the law would be enforced and all fines previously recorded before the amnesty that began on September 1 would be reinstated.

The amnesty period for adjusting overstayers’ status has many advantages including exemption from residency and visa-related administrative fines resulting from illegal stay in the country, the ICP said, adding that establishment card fines, ID fines and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation fines would also be exempted.

Other advantages include exemption from residency and visa cancellation fees and departure fees and departure permit fees, among others, it said, adding that the amnesty also gives overstayers the opportunity to leave the country after adjusting their status without getting ban stamps.