UAE shows its agility with a series of reforms
The competitiveness the UAE has achieved through wellplaced systems, norms and an efficient partnership between the private and public private sector has made the country a safe haven for investment.
Transparency assumes prime importance, thus paving the way for comfortable and safe conditions for residents of the country. This is in addition to the economic reforms as well as incentives announced by the visionary leadership. The UAE makes it a point to upgrade its laws and regulations from time to time to make the lives of its people comfortable and less cumbersome. Rectifying the legal (visa) status of those who are overstaying and violators of the residency law is the latest measure to streamline the residency process. The grace period granted to violators of the residence law and over-stayers and the waiving of the fee, which will come into effect today, helps companies and employees to stay clear of all penalties. It also allows room for those wishing to continue to live here to legalise their residency papers.
The amnesty declared in previous years have proven to have a positive effect in driving the UAE’s economy, notwithstanding the hefty fines violators were exempted from paying.
The amnesty of 2007 succeeded in solving the problems of 95,000 violators, and about 264,000 over-stayers left the country without having to pay any fines.
In 2013, about 61,000 violators took advantage of the pardon and turned themselves to the UAE authorities and departed the country, while 60,000 rectified their visa status and continued to stay and work in the country as legalised expatriates.
The UAE authorities, as usual, have ensured that the procedures are smooth and flexible this time, too. It should take a customer less than a day to get the paperwork done after which he has to leave the country within 10 days.
The pardon includes different categories and sections of people such employees, dependants of employees, domestic help and housemaids and strictly restricts any person with a criminal record.
The authorities will also follow a zero tolerance policy against those who do not seize the opportunity and amend their visa status as in the case of a family who has overstayed in the country for about 30 years, which was reported by Khaleej Times. The consequences the family has had to endure as a result of living in the country illegally for so many years are pathetic.
Come September, a month into the amnesty, the nation will put into effect the various decisions taken by the Cabinet aimed at attracting foreign investment and capital into the country. This includes modification of the ownership system, which allows foreigners to own companies here. The measures also include providing foreigners with longer residence visas alongside other before-known advantages. The initiatives are part of government accelerators, designed to continue the progress march the UAE is on to maintain its place as one of the best investor-friendly nations in the world. The new rules are in addition to the impeccable public services the country offers along with an environment of peace and tolerance with all people living on its lands.
The country has worked hard to become a hub for education, healthcare, and is doing well to encourage the spirit of innovation. Its tourist appeal, too, deserves a special mention. State-of-the-art buildings of various designs is evidence of the fact that the country is continuously on the path of growth.
Come September, a month into the Amnesty, the nation will put into effect the various decisions taken by the Cabinet aimed at attracting foreign investment and capital into the country