UAE’s three-month visa amnesty begins today

UAE, Aug 1: The UAE’s much-publicised visa amnesty begins today with thousands of undocumented workers expected to attend specialist immigration centres set up to assist with their queries.

The three-month scheme will allow anyone who has overstayed their work or residency visa the opportunity to either legalise their status in the country or return home.

Individuals wishing to take advantage of the programme — which runs until October 31 — can visit any of nine centres dedicated to the amnesty, including those in Al Shahama in Abu Dhabi and Al Aweer in Dubai.

Those wanting to return home will be allowed to do so without paying the fines usually required for overstaying, and without facing the possible threat of a jail term.

The full list of immigration centres set up to process those seeking assistance include offices in Shahama, Al Ain and Al Gharbia in Abu Dhabi and Al Aweer in Dubai. The remaining five offices will be in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

This week, authorities warned anyone currently in the county illegally to take full advantage of the amnesty and ensure that they resolve any ambiguity over their right to remain. Embassy officials stressed their staff were there to help, while a number of community associations also said they would be on hand to help those most in need. Agencies