Officials of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai guide amnesty seekers at an Amer Centre.

Somaiya Saad, Staff Reporter

At least 1,000 individuals from men, women, children, elderly and people of determination, visited “Amer” centres and at the settlement centre for overstayers in Al Aweer, Dubai to rectify their status on the first day of the amnesty, according to Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDFRA).

He pointed out that the initiative, which commenced on September 1, 2024 and will continue until October 31, 2024, aims help individuals who had violated the residency system rectify their status in the country or to leave with their fines waived.

He called on the overstayers to seize the opportunity to rectify their status or to leave within the grace period. Those who choose to leave the country during this period will not have a ban stamp on their passports, he added, noting  that the application process will be conducted through the official smart channels and service centres (typing) across the country.

He stated that GDFRA has initiated the implementation of the procedures pertaining to the grace period for all residents and visitors who wish to avail themselves of this amnesty at the 86 Amer centres distributed across the Emirate of Dubai. These centres provide comprehensive services for the individuals who seek to seek to rectify their status, whether by remaining in the country or to get departure permits. The latter option applies to those who hold Emirates ID.

As for those who do not have their biometric fingerprints registered with the ICP and seek to leave the county, they can visit the settlement centre of GDFRA in Al Aweer to get a departure permit.

Major General Salah Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector in Dubai, posited that the considerable number of customers underscores the significance and efficacy of the initiative, and bodes well for the completion of the largest number of transactions of violators seeking to rectify their status and depart, or to transform from passive, ineffective labour to positive and productive labour, by integrating them into the labour market in a legal manner. This is achieved by leveraging 15 employment platforms affiliated with companies situated in Al Aweer Centre, which were previously identified as potential avenues for individuals seeking suitable employment opportunities.

He highlighted that the specialised teams had received a number of children, the elderly, and people of determination today. They were treated with the utmost care and respect, and a range of support was provided to them and to all clients.

He expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the inaugural day of the initiative and the efficacy of the work teams, underscoring the significance of collaboration with diverse government entities. This exemplifies the government's commitment to streamlining procedures for those seeking to rectify their status or depart the country in a lawful manner. He also highlighted the expediency and seamless nature of the transactions.

GDFRA encourages those who have violated the regulations to seize the opportunity to live freely and peacefully in the country or to return voluntarily to their countries of origin. It reiterates its full support for all and calls on those who require further information or wish to make enquiries to contact "Amer" call centre on 8005111, which is open 24/7.