Islamabad, Jan 1: The UAE’s four-month visa amnesty, ending December 31, 2024, benefitted 236,000 residency violators in Dubai, according to Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai. The initiative provided a grace period for violators to adjust their status or leave the country without penalties.
Key Highlights:
- Amnesty Outcomes:
- 55,200 exit permits issued.
- 41,000 violators have already departed, with others in the process.
- Support Provided:
- Financial aid for travel tickets.
- Coordination with private sector companies to employ eligible violators.
- Challenges Addressed:
- Tackling ticket shortages, high costs, and exploitation by middlemen.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Partnerships with embassies, consulates, and government entities like Dubai Police and Civil Defense.
Final Reminder:
The grace period, which began on September 1 and included waivers of penalties, will end on December 31. Inspection campaigns and penalties will resume thereafter. Lt Gen Al Marri urged violators to take advantage of this last opportunity to avoid legal action.
