Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) called on the violators of the law on the entry and residence of expatriates in the UAE to benefit from the amnesty period granted to them to adjust their status before it expires on October 30, 2024.

The ICP confirmed that overstayers have 30 days to adjust their status; otherwise, all fines previously imposed on them before the amnesty period began on September 1 would be reinstated.

Violators of the residency system can benefit from the amnesty period granted to them to adjust their status by submitting the application via the ICP’s electronic and smart channels and approved typing offices without the need to visit service centres except when notified to complete their fingerprint biometrics, it said.

The ICP urged overstayers to avail themselves of the amnesty period to regularise their status and benefit from the associated advantages and exemptions, noting that the amnesty period represents an exceptional opportunity for violators to rectify their status and reside legally in the country, provided they obtain a job or leave the country safely without incurring fines.

The categories benefiting from the amnesty period  include visa violators, residence violators, those listed in administrative reports or those absent from work, foreigners born in the country whose sponsors did not apply for their residence within four months from the date of birth, the ICP said.

The first month of the amnesty period witnessed impressive success stories of violators who were able to adjust their status and leave the country safely or continue to stay legally in the country after getting a new job and then reuniting with their families after a long time.