As the UAE’s visa amnesty program draws to a close today, a surge of last-minute applicants is seeking to legalize their status and avoid hefty overstay fines. This lenient amnesty period has seen large numbers of expatriates and foreign nationals visiting approved typing centers, hoping to either secure residency or obtain exit permits without penalties.
Amnesty Deadline Sparks Last-Minute Rush
On the final day, October 31, many approved typing centers have been operating at full capacity, with increased staff to manage the influx. Noushad Hussain, a manager at one such center, noted a significant rise in applicants. “We’ve been assisting over 300 people daily throughout this week,” he said. “Today, the number is even higher, and our team is working extended hours to meet the demand.”
Personal Stories: Choosing Legalization or Leaving
Many applicants waited until the last possible moment in hopes of securing jobs. K.L., an Indian expatriate, has been overstaying for three years while trying to finalize a new employment visa. “I found a job recently, and my employer applied for my visa last week,” he shared. “They advised me to wait until midday today for visa approval, but if it doesn’t come through, I’ll take an exit permit to avoid fines.”
Similarly, another expatriate, a Pakistani national who preferred to remain unnamed, faced unexpected hurdles after his former employer withheld his passport following the company's closure. “I’ve lived in the UAE for 10 years. After my previous job ended, I accumulated overstay fines,” he said. Despite attending a last-minute interview yesterday, he now plans to exit the country and return once he secures new employment.
A Lenient Opportunity to Legalize or Leave
The UAE’s amnesty program, among the most lenient offered to date, allows overstayers the choice to either regularize their residency or leave the country without penalties or bans. Authorities have emphasized that overstayers and their employers will face steep penalties once the amnesty ends, urging eligible individuals to take advantage of this unique opportunity to avoid fines and legal repercussions.
