UAE extends amnesty for illegal aliens

The United Arab Emirates has extended its amnesty program for foreigners residing illegally in the Middle Eastern nation.

An update on the official amnesty page of the UAE government said the program, which began on Aug. 1, will be extended until Dec. 1.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to issue a statement regarding the extension of the program.

Over 2,000 Filipinos have reportedly availed of the amnesty, including the 180 undocumented migrant workers who arrived from Abu Dhabi last Friday.

The DFA previously urged undocumented Filipinos to take advantage of the program.

The agency said it has shouldered the exit fines, penalties and airline tickets to Manila of the repatriates. They were also given P5,000 each as financial assistance upon their arrival in the country.

The amnesty program covers those who reside in the UAE illegally, with the government giving them a grace period to settle their status or to leave the country voluntarily without any legal consequences or fines.

Meanwhile, overstaying jobseekers can obtain a six-month selfsponsored temporary visa. They will also have an opportunity to look for employment by registering in the virtual job market available on the website of Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Those who entered the country illegally will be given amnesty by exiting the UAE with a two-year ban.