There is a good news for all holders of United Arab Emirates visas that expired before 01 March 2020. It is a big relief and an answered prayer for them because there is new amnesty being extended to visa violators. The order was issued by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan last month. Indeed, the UAE is a Home for Humanity.
According to Gulf News, residency and tourist visa violators who overstayed (as per above) are exempted from fines.
Fines for identity cards, departure permit fees, worker card and contract, cancellation of permits and renewal of labor permits are waived. Included also are those absconding violators from their sponsors and violators of work contracts.
They are given three (3) months starting 18 May 2020 to leave the country according to authorities. (Note: As far as I know based on my readings, a visa violator who wants to be covered by this amnesty cannot leave the country if there is a case lodged against him, so it is better to check first if he/she is clear or not.)
There are more than 200+ nationalities in the UAE. The proper coordination with different countries' ambassadors and consuls general was done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, so they can cascade related rulings and standard operating procedures to their countrymen who can get benefited by this good news.
As the pandemic has greatly affected almost all aspects of our living, and because of the fact that we in the world are all connected with each other, the UAE government comes up with new rulings based on what is happening inside and outside the country. The priority is always and forever the health, wellness and safety of people.
The authorities emphasized that there the fines are waived if they will leave UAE and return to their home countries. They can come back again with new visas and/or employment contract, 'if and when that happens'. As per my understanding, if the visa violator wants to stay and work in the UAE, the overstaying fines must be paid and the visa application must be processed the normal way.
For Ana who has overstayed as her employer failed to renew her visa despite repeated promises, there is a new hope with a new job offer from another employer. Her old employer has not cancelled her visa yet, and has not released her unpaid salaries and gratuity yet. Her old employer wanted her to go back to her home country so there would be zero-fine. Ana felt devastated because these days it is difficult to find a job, and she knows that if she goes back home, there is no assurance when visa will be issued. The opportunity cost is a big consideration for her. Besides there are many job applicants who are already here. This is in addition to the fact that under a normal situation, recruitment from the Philippines will take longer due to some standard operating procedures. Added to this, she wants to be just around as she agreed to be paid on staggered basis by the former employer. On top of this, she does not want to take the risks that will compromise her health when she travels back home. Some months more, perhaps. So now she is pushing her old employer to pay the fines, after all, it was not her fault to overstay. The employer said that his situation got worse with the pandemic so he requested her to just fly back home. But Ana, single, has a sister and niece to survive, and loans to pay. She knows that at her age, 40+, it is more difficult to find a job in the Philippines particularly these days.
There are many more who hope and pray that the visa fines will be waived also for those visa violators who have job offers/opportunities to work and stay in the UAE, to rectify their status and to avoid risks related to travel. Many regular flights have been cancelled and many borders have been closed because of pandemic. We may flatten the coronavirus curve for some time, but there are also possibilities of second and third waves, as history shows us. (It takes two [2] years to come up with a vaccine, another two [2] years for massive testing, and about 10 years to have it tested successfully.)
Despite the news of many businesses closing, there are also many newly opened companies now with products and/or services that will best respond to the call of times, so there will also be job opportunities.
The lockdown taught many people to learn more life skills and upgrade what their skills are, while in isolation or working from home. It's always 'Adapt' mantra now.
It is also better for the economy as those who have been here have already adjusted to the local culture and ways of life. If a person spends a minimum of (average) AED1,500/month for his/her bedspace, foods, etc. -- multiplied by the number of people who will stay and work -- this means a lot and has a multiplier effect to economic growth.
Possibly some entrepreneurs will emerge and can develop homegrown businesses, given a business-friendly environment, and stories of survival and triumphs will be heard. From this unprecedented crisis, the one-man/woman-wagon businessmen/women will definitely rise in number.
For those who want to avail of amnesty benefits, the government makes things easier to process things.
Gulf News says that according to authorities, people in the UAE with entry or residency permits that expired before 1 March 2020, only need to have the following to leave the country from 18 May - 18 August 2020, and there is no need to pay fines. Just bring these and go to the airport (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah airport) --
- valid passport
- airline ticket (one-way)
Accordingly those with expired visit or tourist visas must arrive at the airport at least six (6) hours prior to departure time.
The same leading newspaper also says that "the waiver procedures for expired entry permits, visit or tourist visas, change depending on where the person would be travelling from."
The same leading newspaper also says that "the waiver procedures for expired entry permits, visit or tourist visas, change depending on where the person would be travelling from."
The checking procedures in emirates other than Dubai are normally in the airport. If departing from Dubai airport, the checking must be done within 48 hours before departure. There are designated checking centers. (Read more here.)
Exempted to go to the checking centers are --
Exempted to go to the checking centers are --
- people under age of 15
- people of determination
According to Dwight D. Eisenhower,
We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom.
We have experienced how we are all challenged by the COVID-19. The lockdown due to pandemic limited our moves, and makes us appreciate freedom more.
There are many stories behind the visa violations. The amnesty extended by the good government of the UAE helps restore the the climate of freedom -- peace, that is -- for every affected person's mind. If you are in a foreign country and you cannot move the way others do, there is no peace of mind and no access to systems that will protect you. Everyone is a peace seeker.
This amnesty means so much to many people who have been in darkness for some months or years. There are many things to be done ahead of us. If people can move freely, we can do more together, productively and happily. And yes, together we are in it.
This amnesty means so much to many people who have been in darkness for some months or years. There are many things to be done ahead of us. If people can move freely, we can do more together, productively and happily. And yes, together we are in it.
In my mind, I passionately magnify the golden falcon in the country emblem. As a solar symbol, it defines triumph and the ability to rise above the challenges.
God bless the UAE, its leaders and all people in it.
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