Amnesty ends today
abu dhabi — It’s official, and final. There will be no more extension for the UAE’s visa amnesty programme.
The initiative, which began on August 1 and was originally intended to run for 90 days but was extended for another month, ends today, according to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).
“The amnesty initiative ends on November 30. No more extensions for the scheme,” an official from the FAIC confirmed to Khaleej
Times on Thursday.
The official added that authorities would crack down on those who still live illegally in the country after the end of the period. The FAIC warned that people caught staying illegally in the country after the end of the amnesty period would face tough punishments, including fines, jail sentences and deportation. Officials said the amnesty registration centres across the UAE have registered and issued exit passes to thousands of illegal residents wanting to leave the country.
Reacting to the news about no extension, Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes, said: “We have to respect the deadlines set by the host (UAE) government and hope that all those with immigration issues have by now rectified their status.”
abu dhabi — The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) has confirmed that the UAE visa amnesty programme for illegal residents is ending today and that there will be no further extension for the initiative.
“The amnesty initiative ends on November 30. No more extensions for the scheme,” an official from the FAIC told Khaleej Times on Thursday.
The official said that authorities will step up campaigns to crackdown on those who are still living illegally in the country immediately after the end of the initiative.
The “Protect Yourself by Modifying Your Status” initiative that granted a three-month period for illegal residents to modify their status or leave the UAE without facing fines or legal issues was started on August 1. Later, the authority extended the amnesty scheme for a month until November 30 to give more time to amnesty-seekers who had not availed of the initiative.
The FAIC warned that people who will be caught staying illegally in the country after the end of am- nesty period will face tough pun- ishments including fines, jail sentences and deportation.
Officials said that intensive campaigns will be conducted across the country to crackdown on the violators of residence laws after the end of the three-month amnesty initiative.
Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the FAIC, had earlier thanked all teams at the amnesty registration centres across the country for the tireless efforts and good services they have rendered to amnesty- seekers since the initiative started.
“After the end of the amnesty period, intensive campaigns will be conducted across the country and those caught violating residency laws will face tough penalties,” he said.
Officials said the amnesty registration centres across the UAE have registered and issued exit passes to thousands of illegal residents wanting to exit country throughout the amnesty initiative.
Those who wanted to rectify their status to remain in the UAE and look for jobs after being granted a six-month temporary residence visa, have also been dealt with by the Amer and Tasheel centres across the country.
Reacting to the news that there is no further amnesty extension, Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes told Khaleej Times: “We have to respect the deadlines set by the host (UAE) government and hope that all those with immigration issues have by now rectified their status. We understand that there may be those who were unable to avail of the programme due to their various civil and criminal cases and we hope that they are able to take appropriate steps towards resolution.”
“The Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi remain committed to assist our nationals with such cases through all legal means available,” he added.
(with inputs from Angel Tesorero)
After the end of the amnesty period, intensive campaigns will be conducted across the country and those caught violating residency laws will face tough penalties
Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the FAIC