Passengers wait for their flights at the Dubai International Airport. File/ AFP

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) stated that individuals who departed from the UAE subsequent to rectifying their status might return to the UAE at any time and without constraints. This in accordance with the amnesty issued to help overstayers rectify their status with waiving the financial penalties and administrative constraints, which persists until 30 October 2024.

The ICP explained that individuals who have departed the country and have no outstanding issues or requests may return to the UAE at any time after completing the procedures for issuing an entry visa. Following the completion of these procedures and subsequent approval by the security authorities, such individuals may enter the country at their own discretion.

It also called on all those who have violated the residency system in the UAE to take advantage of the deadline to rectify their status. This may be done by submitting the relevant application through the Authority's digital and smart channels and authorised typing offices. It should be noted that there is no requirement to visit the service centres, except in cases where individuals are notified to do so for the purpose of collecting their biometric fingerprint.

The categories that will benefit from the decision are those who have violated visa regulations, those who have violated residency regulations, individuals who have been identified in administrative reports, and individuals who have ceased employment. Additionally, foreign-born children who are currently residing in the country but whose legal guardian has not yet confirmed their residency status are also included. The aforementioned grace period does not extend to three specific categories: those who have violated their residency status after 1 September 2024, those who have ceased employment after the same date, and individuals who have been deported from the country or from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The amnesty offers a number of advantages to encourage those in violation of the regulations to rectify their status. These include exemption from administrative fines for residency and visas resulting from overstaying, establishment card fines, ID card fines, and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation fines. Additionally, the benefits extend to exemption from the residency and visa cancellation fee, the fee for filing a work interruption report, departure fees, residency and visa details fees, and departure permit fees. The grace period allows those who have violated the terms of their status to leave the country and rectify their situation without being banned to enter the country upon their return.

In order to facilitate beneficiaries and enable them to obtain services at any time, the working hours at the service centres where the biometric fingerprint is registered will be extended to 8 pm on working days throughout the grace period.

The deadline for rectifying the status of violators represents an exceptional opportunity for both the state and violators to achieve a set of strategic objectives. It provides a flexible legal environment that enhances security, social and economic stability, and promotes the values of tolerance, compassion and social cohesion. Furthermore, it offers exceptional support to violators, facilitating the necessary steps to correct their status during the grace period through flexible and facilitated procedures.