Officials of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai at a centre receiving applications from individuals seeking to rectify their status.

Somaiya Saad, Staff Reporter

On the first day of the initiative, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDFRA) began receiving applications from individuals seeking to rectify their status.

The applications were submitted via the settlement centre for overstaying offenders located in Al Aweer and all Amer Centres across the emirate.

The centres received a considerable number of violators, with operations commencing at 08:00 and concluding at the scheduled times. Lieutenant General Al Marri, his deputy Major General Obaid Bin Mehair Bin Suroor, and their respective assistants were present throughout the day to oversee the progress of work, provide reassurance to customers, and offer comprehensive assistance.

The employees provided guidance to customers, directing them to the appropriate locations for the completion of their transactions. They also informed customers of the necessary steps and documents required to rectify their status and facilitate the procedures for their return to their home countries.

Lieutenant General Al Marri stated that the humanitarian initiative is designed to enhance the well-being of residents, elevate the quality of life, and promote social advancement for all segments of society. He also stressed the commitment to implement the directives of the leadership to help overstaying offenders rectify their status with seamless procedures.”

He further pointed out that the teams provided assistance for individuals of determination, the elderly, and children, with the objective of enhancing the humanitarian aspect of Dubai and upholding the values of tolerance and community solidarity. To this end, they facilitate the rectification of violators' status through flexible and accessible procedures, enabling them to exit safely or reside and work freely in the UAE under the residency and labour laws, he added.

For his part, Major General Salah Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General of Dubai's Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector, has confirmed that all designated centres are prepared to receive violators and complete the requisite procedures. These procedures will be carried out without the imposition of fines and will allow violators to rectify their status or leave during the two-month grace period that commenced on Sunday.

He added that the 86 Amer centres across Dubai provide comprehensive services to facilitate the status rectification of individuals who wish to remain in the country, as well as to issue departure permits for those in possession of a biometric fingerprint, meaning Emirates ID holders.

He urged the public to refrain from heeding rumours and misinformation and to instead contact the Amer Call Centre (8005111) to ascertain the veracity of any information they may have received. This helpline is open 24/7.