September 27th, 2024 at 09:39 am

UAE Lowers Minimum Passport Validity Requirement for Visa Amnesty Program

The necessary passport validity has been lowered from six months to one month as part of the UAE’s simplified visa amnesty scheme. With the help of this modification, overstayers will be able to legally adjust their status by either finding a new job or leaving the country without facing an entry restriction.

By lowering the necessary passport validity from six months to only one month, the UAE has made it simpler for those who violate their visas to take advantage of its amnesty program. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) made this announcement on Tuesday.

Reduction of the Passport Validity Requirement to One Month

Before the UAE amnesty program, a passport that was still valid for at least six months was required for anyone wishing to change their visa status. Those who violate the new regulations, however, can now apply using a passport that is only good for one month.

The ICP Director-General, Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, states that this revision does away with the requirement for violators to renew their passports, which may be very time-consuming if done through UAE embassies.

Urging Those Who Break Visas to Act

The goal of this decision, Maj-Gen Al Khaili stressed, is to incentivize visa violators to take advantage of the two-month amnesty period, which ends on October 31. With this change, people will have the option to either find work and remain in the UAE with the proper visa, or they can leave the country without getting an entry ban stamp.

Overview: Visa Amnesty Program

The UAE visa amnesty program is a short-term government initiative that permits persons who have broken visa laws to change their status without incurring serious repercussions. These programs frequently offer a short window of time for people to get a legitimate visa or depart the country of their own volition.

Key Details of the UAE Visa Amnesty Program

• Duration: Beginning on September 1, 2024, the amnesty program will last for two months.
• Validity of Passport: Only one month is now required instead of the previous six months.
• Options for Regularization: After regularizing their status, overstayers have 14 days to depart the nation or get an offer letter from a business to extend their stay.
• Benefits: The program’s goal is to give people an easy-to-follow route out of legal trouble and possible fines.
• Launched on September 1, the amnesty program gives visa violators two options:

1. Exiting the Nation: No entry ban stamp is required for people to exit the United Arab Emirates.
2. Finding Employment: If they have the proper documentation, violators can work and stay in the nation.

How to Apply for the Amnesty Program

Starting on September 1, visa violators have the chance to normalize their status under the amnesty program. It is recommended that violators address any queries or worries they may have to the ICP call center. Maj-Gen Al Khaili gave his word that the ICP is dedicated to working with violators to change their status.

Extra Details

• Program Duration: Beginning on September 1, 2024, and ending on October 31, 2024, the amnesty program lasts for two months.
• 14-Day Grace Period: After regularizing their status, overstayers have 14 days to either depart the UAE or present an offer letter from a business to be able to legally extend their stay.
• Government Support: The government of the United Arab Emirates seeks to give overstayers an easy-to-follow route so they can change their status without facing needless difficulties.

How to Contact the ICP

Visa offenders who have questions regarding their cases or any particular difficulties they may be having can get in touch with the ICP. For anyone wishing to take advantage of the amnesty program, the committed staff at the ICP is here to offer assistance and guarantee a seamless processing experience.

Conclusion

Overstayers have a vital chance to normalize their status and escape further legal repercussions during this amnesty. The UAE government is making it simpler for those who violate immigration laws to fix their residency status and assure compliance by lowering the criteria for passport validity and streamlining the process.