Visa amnesty deadline to end on Tuesday

The 4-month deadline given to overstayers to adjust their status and be exempted from fines and administrative restrictions will end on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) decided to extend the deadline by two further months, as it started on September 1 and was scheduled to end on October 31.

The ICP called on overstayers to adjust their status before the deadline ends to avoid the incurred fines, noting that it would intensify inspection campaigns on overstayers in co-operation with partners from government entities and would take legal action against those caught.

The ICP’s decision to extend the deadline by two months coincided with the UAE’s celebrations of the 53rd Eid Al Etihad and in response to appeals from overstayers who wished to adjust their status.

The extension represents the last chance for overstayers to adjust their status, be exempt from fines and avoid the ban, the ICP said.

These advantages reflect the humanitarian aspect of the initiative and embody the ICP’s keenness to give overstayers a greater opportunity to adjust their status, overcome the challenges they face, obtain their full rights and protect their families, it added.

The categories benefiting from the visa amnesty include visa violators, residence violators, individuals who have breached visa rules, absconders and foreigners born in the UAE but never obtained a residency visa, the ICP said.

Dubai sets up a children’s area at overstayers’ settlement centre

Kids enjoy at the children’s area at the Residency Overstayers Settlement Centre in Al Aweer.

In a related report, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) recently established a dedicated children’s area at the Residency Overstayers Settlement Centre in Al Aweer. This initiative aims to enhance customer comfort and provide an exceptional family-friendly experience.

This initiative forms part of the GDRFA’s vision to promote human and community values and achieve an integrated environment that provides family support and facilitates procedures.

The recently inaugurated children’s area represents a novel addition to the centre, conceived with the objective of catering to children of all age groups. The underlying rationale for its creation was to provide a secure and agreeable setting for learning and recreation.

The area is furnished with contemporary recreational facilities, including innovative activities, reading and drawing areas, thereby ensuring that children have an enjoyable experience while awaiting the conclusion of their parents’ formalities.