DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has launched a visa amnesty scheme offering a two-month period from September 1 to October 30 for residents with expired visas to regularise their status or return home without penalties.
This initiative is for those people whose residence or tourist visa has expired, allowing them to legalize their stay or leave the country without incurring fines.
In addition, UAE authorities have clarified that the scheme does not apply to those who have entered the country illegally. Those who meet the requirements can change their visa status without having to pay fees or fines, while those who choose to leave the country can do so without being banned from travelling.
It is noteworthy that Pakistani citizens in the UAE have been encouraged by their consulate to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their status or return home with dignity, as well as possibly re-enter the UAE in the future with proper documentation.
On Sunday, as UAE authorities began issuing fines of millions of dirhams to legalise the status of illegal residents and visitors, hundreds of them reportedly thronged amnesty centres from early morning. Gulf News.
Violators of residency laws can avoid legal action, including bans and fines, by leaving the country or regularizing their status without paying any fees during the two-month grace period ending on Oct. 30, the outlet added.
