Dubai Doubles Immigration Officers as Visa Amnesty Seekers Increase for the Final Week

Amid the expiry date of the UAE visa amnesty, the immigration officers at Dubai’s Al Awir Centre have been doubled to accommodate a surge of applicants. The initiative ends on October 31 and thousands of visa amnesty seekers have flocked there in the last week.

Lt Col Salem bin Ali, head of the customer happiness department at the GDRFA, said: “We expect many people will show up for the last week of the amnesty. This is normal and we’ve witnessed this in previous amnesties.” Confirming no extensions will be made available.

The amnesty allows individuals to obtain an exit pass without paying a fine, but firms are being advised to stop hiring overstayers as time runs out. “If you cannot find a job, please leave the country. You are welcome to return anytime,” Lt Col bin Ali added, reassuring applicants that those who acquire an exit pass will have a window of 14 days for departure.

Many others, like Innocent Chibuzo from Nigeria, applied at the last minute, hoping against hope that they would be selected. “I came on a visit visa in February 2020 and couldn’t find a job. Now I want to leave without paying fines,” he said, having accumulated close to Dh80,000 in fines.

Eman Ganam, Morocco “I hope to return with an employment visa,” she said after receiving her exit pass a year after her residency expired.

Amnesty provides the opportunity not only to regularize the status of people but also to compel compliance with residence laws in the wake of population growth in the UAE.

Several centers across Emirates accept these applications throughout the day from 8 AM to 8 PM.