Exit permit valid only for 10 days, UAE amnesty seekers told

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Illegal residents who have availed of the amnesty initiative must leave the country within 10 days after getting an exit permit, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) has announced.

The FAIC also pointed out that violators who got their fine waived can obtain exit permits from the amnesty centres by paying a nominal fee of Dh220. Those who wish to change their status, transfer their residence or obtain new residence must provide evidence of a new sponsor and a certificate of health fitness.

However, authorities concerned at the Directorate General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will charge a fee of Dh500 from violators who amend the status of the visa without exiting the UAE.

The FAIC has launched the three-month amnesty programme Protect Yourself by Modifying Your Status on August 1 allowing expatriates living inside the country illegally to change their status, either leave or modify the residence status, without paying their overstaying fines.

The violators, who wish to change their status to leave the country, must bring a number of documents, including passport, to avail of the scheme. Since the launch of the initiative, the immigration centres across the country have received thousands of applicants and many were issued permits to amend their status and have a fresh life in accordance with the UAE regulations.

However, the initiative has excluded two categories of people from the amnesty programme: People who are blacklisted and those having police cases lodged against them.

Exemption from fines

Meanwhile, six categories were granted the right to benefit from the amnesty without paying fines.

The first category comprises people who are residing in the country with expired residence and visas. They would get full exemption from all the fines and has the option either to leave the country or get a new visa.

The second category is those who are unemployed, who can obtain unmediated temporary residence or self-sponsorship visa for six months, which allows them to interact with potential employers under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources and Employment.

The third, people who had entered the country illegally through informal outlets. They will be allowed to leave the country but cannot enter the country for a period of two years.

The fourth category is people who ran away from their employers. The fifth category covers victims of wars and natural disasters, who will be granted a one-year residence visa regardless of the status of their visas or nationalities.

The sixth category is widowed or divorced, and their residence is extended for one year without the need for a sponsor.

The amnesty programme, which runs until October 31, is applicable to illegal residents who have been living inside the country before August 1.

9 centres to apply

The FAIC has allocated nine centres nationwide, including one in Al Shahamah area in Abu Dhabi and another in Al Aweer area in Dubai.

Reception centres have been set up in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain , Al Ain City and Al Dhafra Area in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, next to the premises of the customer centres of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Reception centers are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays from Sunday to Thursday.

amira@khaleejtomes.com

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