The United Arab Emirates has offered amnesty for foreigners who have violated its residency laws. It includes those who entered the UAE illegally, overstaying their visa conditions or absconding from their employers. Here’s what you need to know about this amnesty offer.
When is the duration of the UAE amnesty?
August 1 to October 31, 2018
Who is eligible for amnesty?
- Residency law violators. Those who entered the UAE illegally until July 31 such as those without a visa can exit the country without paying any fine. However, they will face a two-year entry ban and can enter the country after that period. Violators after July 31 will not be considered for amnesty.
- Former residents. Those who left the UAE with entry ban for various violations such as overstaying and absconding. They can return to the UAE by applying any kind of visa such as tourist, visit, residence or investor during the amnesty period. However, applicants should not have any pending cases. Those convicted and served their sentences for minor crimes may be considered.
- Absconders. They can get their names removed from the list by paying a fee.
Will there be a permanent ban on returning to UAE for those who avail of amnesty?
There will be no permanent ban, and people can reenter the country on valid visas.
Amnesty-seekers have to get an exit permit/emergency certificate (valid for 21 days) issued by immigration authorities after going through fingerprinting and eye scanning. They must have an air ticket dated 10 days after submitting the application.
Those who have a valid passport and a flight ticket can directly approach amnesty centers and apply for an exit permit by paying a fee of AED 221.
Those without a valid passport need to get an emergency certificate issued by his/her country’s embassy or consulate. Missions do not renew passports in amnesty cases. It can only be done in the home country.
Where to avail of the amnesty?
- Dubai: Two large amnesty tents have been set up in Al Aweer from 8am to 8pm daily except on public holidays.
- Abu Dhabi: Amnesty centres in Shahama, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
- Other emirates: Main immigration offices
I want to remain in the UAE, what should I do?
If you have a job offer, you can apply for a new residency visa. Amnesty-seekers from the private sector can get an absconding case closed in the emirate from where his/her visa was issued for a fee of AED 521. The fee for government sector employees is AED 71.
If you have an expired passport, renew at embassy/consulate before applying for visa.
Where do I avail of the amnesty?
Dubai: Applicants need not visit Al Aweer centre. They can go to any of the Amer centres, which will provide services, including cancellation of fines for violations related to residency, Emirates ID and labor permit. Applicants can also clear absconding cases and renew expired visas or stamp new visas.
General Directorate for Residency and Naturalization Head Quarter
Location: Aljaffilya – Behind Jaffilya Police Station- Bur Dubai
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 PM
Name: Tawar Municipality Section
Location: Altawar Municipality New Building- Altawar 2
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 AM – 08:00 PM
Name: Head Quarter Section- Dubai Police
Location: Head Quarter of Dubai Police Building
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 02:30 pm
Name: Hayat Regency Section
Location: Hayat Regency Hotel- Deira
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 08:00 am – 02:30pm
Name: Bin Suqqat Center Section
Location: Bin Souqqat Center- Arashidyah
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am -08:00 pm
Name: Free Zone Section- Dubai International Airport
Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone – Altawar2
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 08:00 pm
Name: Arabian Center Section
Location: arabian Center Building- Almuzhar 1
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am -08:00 pm
Name: Dnata Deira Section
Location: Dnata Building- Clock Round- Deira
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 08:00 pm
Name: Allissely section
Location: Allissily
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Name: His Excellency the Governor Department Section
Location: Rashid Port- Near toDubai Dry Docks
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 2:30pm
Name: Fistival Section
Location: Fistival City- Festival Center
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 08:00pm
Name: Dubai international Financial Center
Location: Dubai International Financia Center- Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Name: Almanara Center Section
Location: Almanara Municipality Building- Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Name: TECOM City Section
Location: Knowledg Village
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Name: Mediacl Fitness Section
Location: Muhaisna 1- Municipality Clinic Building- Labors Accomodation
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am -08:00 pm
Name: Rashid Hospital Section
Location: Rashid Hospital
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Name: DEWA Section
Location: DEWA Main Building – Next to Hayat Grand Hotel
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Name: Alsafa Clinic Section
Location: Alsafa- Alsafa Medical Clinic Building
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 2:30 pm
Name: Alkhail Center Section
Location: Alkhail Mall- Al Qouz Industrial
PO Box Number: UAE – Dubai – PO Box: 4333
Email: amer@dnrd.ae
Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 – 8005111
Working hours: 07:30 am – 2:30 pm
Abu Dhabi and other emirates: Applicants can go to immigration offices in Al Ain, Shahama and Al Garbia.
General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi (GDRFA)
-
Mushrif Area – Al Saada Road P.O.Box: 4333 Abu Dhabi
How much do I have to pay to avail of the amnesty?
Fee to Correct Residency: AED 521
Fee to Exit the UAE: AED 221
Fees for those who want to close an absconding case
For private institutions: AED 521
For government institutions: AED 71
What documents to bring when I avail of the amnesty?
1. Passport – If you have no valid passport, you need to go to your respective country Embassies/Consulate General offices to request for a
2. Flight ticket back home – Violator must provide the ticket and travel date must be booked after 10 days of visiting the amnesty office. For those who have questions, you can contact this hotline for assistance (80080)
What if I don’t find a job?
Those that find a job can move to a new residency. Others can return to the UAE on a new visa as they are not subject to an entry ban.
Is there any assistance for finding jobs?
Amnesty-seekers availing of the six-month visa can register on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization’s portal for preference in jobs. However, this does not guarantee a job.
Important Phone Numbers
Abu Dhabi hotline: 80080
Immigration and Naturalisation Department
Al Ain: 03 762 5555
Dubai hotline: 8005111
Directorates of Residence and Naturalization
Sharjah: 06 5726777
Ras Al Khaimah: 8005000
General Directorates of Residence & Foreigners Affairs
Fujairah: 09 2222727
Ajman: 06 7434444
Umm Al Quwain: 06 7063300
Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
02 449 2700
Consulate General of India, Dubai
056 546 3903 (indiaindubai.amnesty@gmail.com)
Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi
02 639 0006
Philippine Consulate General, Dubai
04 220 7100
Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi
02 444 7800
Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai
04 397 3600
Embassy of Indonesia, Abu Dhabi
02 445 4448
Consulate General of Indonesia, Dubai
04 398 5666
Embassy of Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi
02 446 5100
Consulate General of Bangladesh, Dubai
04 238 8199
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
02 631 6444
Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Dubai
04 398 6535
Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi
02 443 1503
Consulate General Nigeria, Dubai
04 352 2505
Embassy of Uzbekistan, Abu Dhabi
02 448 8215
Consulate General of Uzbekistan, Dubai
04 370 6060
Consulate General of Sudan, Dubai
04 397 7722
Consulate General of Egypt, Dubai
04 397 1122
Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi
02 634 4767
Consulate General of Malaysia, Dubai
04 398 5843
Ethiopian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
026655111
Ethiopian Consulate in Dubai
042699111
