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A Closer Look: UAE visa amnesty explained

We hear from senior reporter Ali Al Shouk

The National

September 05, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

A major humanitarian initiative has begun in the UAE, where thousands of people with visa-related fines are set to be given a clean slate to either resume work or leave the country.

The two-month overstay visa amnesty began on Sunday and will run until the end of October.

Here, host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's Ali Al Shouk to find out who is eligible for the amnesty and where they can apply, as well as hear the stories of those who found themselves in desperate need of the initiative.

Read more

Thousands of jobs available for UAE visa amnesty workers

Jailed visa offenders can win reprieve as part of amnesty

UAE visa amnesty: in pictures

Faral Ally Hamis, from Tanzania, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir area. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Faral Ally Hamis, from Tanzania, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir area. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
People wait to be seen at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
People wait to be seen at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
Officials help direct those waiting during the second day of visa amnesty in Dubai.
Officials help direct those waiting during the second day of visa amnesty in Dubai.
Visitors were given free coconut water at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
Visitors were given free coconut water at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
Kashem Samir Hossain, from Bangladesh, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Kashem Samir Hossain, from Bangladesh, during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Officials help during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
Officials help during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai.
Officials deal with the queues at the visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Al Awir, Dubai.
Officials deal with the queues at the visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Al Awir, Dubai.
Maj Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA, centre, talking to visitors
Maj Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA, centre, talking to visitors
Officials in the women's section during the visa amnesty
Officials in the women's section during the visa amnesty
People who have overstayed their residence or visit visas will not be fined
People who have overstayed their residence or visit visas will not be fined
Venus Devera from the Philippines with her 15-month-old daughter Alvia Faith at the General Directorate in Dubai
Venus Devera from the Philippines with her 15-month-old daughter Alvia Faith at the General Directorate in Dubai
The two-month initiative is open for people with expired residency and visit visas
The two-month initiative is open for people with expired residency and visit visas
Christopher Kyeyunemr, 29, from Uganda, was one of the first people to obtain the exit pass after living illegally for two years
Christopher Kyeyunemr, 29, from Uganda, was one of the first people to obtain the exit pass after living illegally for two years
Companies set up their stands to recruit candidates during the visa amnesty
Companies set up their stands to recruit candidates during the visa amnesty
Bachaire Polindao from the Philippines with her 10-month-old daughter Amal Mohamed Mustafa at the amnesty in Dubai
Bachaire Polindao from the Philippines with her 10-month-old daughter Amal Mohamed Mustafa at the amnesty in Dubai
People wait to have their stay in the UAE legalised
People wait to have their stay in the UAE legalised
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

While you're here
What is a black hole?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D5pm%3A%20Deerfields%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Taajer%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%20(jockey)%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Ketbi%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20The%20Galleria%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Zafaranah%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ifahat%20Du%20Loup%2C%20Abdul%20Aziz%20Al%20Balushi%2C%20Sulaiman%20Al%20Ghunaimi%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Mazyad%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Majalis%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Dalma%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Bassam%20Al%20Wathba%2C%20Bernardi%20Pinheiro%2C%20Majed%20Al%20Jahouri%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20World%20Trade%20Centre%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Fawaareq%2C%20Dane%20O%E2%80%99Neill%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Checks continue

A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.

Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.

ACL Elite (West) - fixtures

Monday, Sept 30

Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)

Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)

Updated: October 11, 2024, 12:30 PM`
A Closer Look