GDRFA Dubai receives 1,000 customers on first day of visa amnesty scheme
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has welcomed approximately 1,000 individuals, including women, men, children, the elderly, and people of determination, at Amer Centres as well as Al Awir Centre for changing the status of violators on the first day of activating the UAE visa amnesty program, a humanitarian initiative aimed at correcting the status of residency violators.
This initiative, launched under the directive of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) on September 1, 2024, will continue for two months until October 31.
The General Directorate has begun implementing the grace period procedures for all residents and visitors wishing to benefit from this initiative at 86 Amer Centres across Dubai. These centres offer comprehensive services to those covered by the decision who wish to change their status and remain in the country, as well as issuing departure permits for those who already have a biometric fingerprint (Emirates ID holders).
Additionally, Al Awir Centre for changing the status of violators in the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector has been designated for fingerprinting and issuing departure permits for those who wish to leave the country under this initiative.
General Salah Al Qamzi, Assistant Director General for Violators and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, emphasised that the high turnout of customers highlights the importance and success of this initiative. He reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to facilitating the maximum number of transactions for violators who wish to change their status, whether they choose to leave the country or transition from being unregistered and unproductive workers to becoming positive and contributing members of the workforce. This is being achieved by legally integrating them into the labour market through 15 employment platforms linked to companies located at Al Awir Centre, with whom agreements have been made for those seeking job opportunities.
Al Qamzi also highlighted that specialised teams today received a number of children, the elderly, and people of determination, ensuring they were treated with the utmost care, dignity, and humanity while providing comprehensive support to all customers.
He further stressed the importance of this program, urging violating residents and visitors to seize this opportunity to regularise their status and comply with the country's laws. He noted that this initiative showcases the UAE’s commitment to offering the necessary support to those who seek to abide by the law. He also reaffirmed the full readiness of the centres to continue receiving violators and providing them with the required services, following the best international practices.
Al Qamzi expressed his satisfaction with the results of the first day of the initiative, lauding the efficiency of the teams and the fruitful cooperation with other government agencies, which highlights the UAE’s commitment to making it easier for people to correct their status or leave the country legally.
He also pointed out how quickly and smoothly transactions were handled, including issuing departure permits for those ready to go, especially for those who already have a biometric fingerprint (Emirates ID holders).
The General Directorate urges residency violators to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their status and live freely and peacefully within the country or to voluntarily return to their homelands. The Directorate stressed that it’s there to help and invites anyone with questions or in need of more information to reach out to the Amer call centre at 8005111, available 24/7.