Pakistani national Hamza Gul is the first person to rectify visa status and get a job in Dubai

Somaiya Saad, Staff Reporter

Hamza Gul’s narrative is replete with examples of exertion and impediments, yet it remains infused with a sense of possibility.

Hamza, 25, Pakistani, had ambitious aspirations but was compelled to violate the residency system for reasons of his own volition.

His transgressions increased incrementally over time until this amnesty initiative came into effect, aiming to rectify the status of those who had contravened the residency rules.

He ultimately decided to remain in the country. He spent the entire night in anticipation outside the settlement centre in Al Awir, hoping to be the first individual to waive his fines and secure a work contract from the companies exhibiting at the centre.

He got a job opportunity as a cleaner with the Transguard Group.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, has confirmed that in collaboration with 15 major companies in the private sector so far, job opportunities have been provided for those wishing to rectify their status in order to remain in the UAE.

He pointed out that the procedures for 1000 offenders completed the process on the first day of the commencement of the amnesty period.

Furthermore, he explained that the settlement centre in Al Awir has been furnished with the capacity to receive 2,000 visitors per day, in addition to 86 Amer centres dispersed throughout the emirate.

Teams have been assigned by GDRFA to receive visitors and direct them through the appropriate procedures for regularising their status, he stated.