Illegal UAE residents find hope with amnesty
The announcement of UAE's amnesty program starting on September 1 has provided a sense of relief for many expats who have overstayed their visas.
Working in the UAE was a dream of mine. Upon my arrival, I felt extremely joyful. Kamil, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi worker living in Jebel Ali, expressed that the happiness he felt did not last long.
In December 2019, Kamil came to the UAE on a tourist visa with the goal of finding plastering job opportunities. Nevertheless, his plans were disrupted by the emergence of the covid pandemic. I was on a visitor visa for three months, but my employer was unable to obtain my residency visa because of the covid situation. In February 2022, Kamil said he tried talking to him again, but was informed he needed to settle his penalties first, which he couldn't pay.
The pardon has provided him with another opportunity. After securing a job, I can finally work in the UAE without any worries. He stated that this government program will assist him in fulfilling his aspirations to work in the UAE.
Many illegal residents and overstayers in the Emirates see the upcoming amnesty program as an opportunity to fix their status or leave without repercussions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has declared that there will be no fines or fees enforced throughout the two-month amnesty period.
35-year-old Pakistani national Mohammed Saqlain recounted his difficulties after coming to the UAE on a tourist visa last year. "My company assured me that they would hire me and process my residency visa." Nevertheless, I was informed that my visa would not be granted after remaining in the country for a month longer than allowed. Saqlain stated that he was unable to exit the country or get a visa because of his current situation.
Saqlain had to resort to doing miscellaneous jobs in order to make ends meet with an unknown future ahead. I had to take on various jobs to provide for my family and cover my expenses while staying in Dubai. He mentioned that he usually made around Dh40 per day. The amnesty program has instilled new optimism within him. With this amnesty, I can now visit my family in my hometown and enjoy my freedom. Saqlain mentioned that he will ensure not to violate any laws when he goes back to the UAE.
This amnesty is the fourth program offered by the UAE government since 2007, allowing overstaying residents to begin anew without facing penalties for their overstay.
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