The UAE government has announced an amnesty program for visa violators that will take effect on 1 September 2024 to 31 October 2024 (two months).
Here are some recommended actions for visa violators to help navigate this process, and some suggestions to the government (current residence and country of origin), some private entities, and supporting / dealing with families back home.
Before Amnesty:
- Gather Information: Stay updated on the amnesty terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, and required documents, and potential consequences.
- Consult Legal Experts: Seek advice from immigration lawyers or legal consultants to understand the process and potential challenges.
- Prepare Documents: Collect necessary documents such as passport, visa, and any relevant employment or residency papers.
- Create a Plan: Develop a plan outlining your goals, financial situation, and potential next steps after the amnesty.
- Register: Follow the designated procedures to register for the amnesty program.
- Pay Related Fees: Be prepared to pay related fees as I understand fines are waived.
- Regularize Status: Take necessary steps to regularize your visa status, which may involve renewing your visa or obtaining a new one.
- Seek Assistance: If you face difficulties during the process, seek assistance from government agencies, non-profit organizations, or related services consultants to know best options possible and next moves.
After Amnesty:
- Update Documents: Ensure your passport and visa are valid and updated.
- Seek Employment: Explore job opportunities, actively participate in job fairs or online platforms, and network with potential employers.
- Obtain Necessary Permits: If required, obtain work permits or other necessary permits to continue your stay and work in the UAE.
- Integrate into Society: Participate in community activities, language classes or cultural events to connect with others and build a social network.
- Financial Planning: Create a budget, manage your finances effectively, and consider saving for future needs.
- Housing: Explore affordable housing options or seek assistance from government agencies or non-profit organizations.
- Education and Training: Consider pursuing additional education or training to enhance your skills and employability.
- Healthcare: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage and access to healthcare services.
- Legal Advice: If needed, consult with legal experts to address any legal issues or concerns.
Government Initiatives:
- Free or Discounted Health Checkups and Lab Tests: Provide comprehensive health screenings to assess the physical and mental well-being of visa violators.
- Counseling and Seminars: Offer counseling services to address emotional and psychological issues related to the amnesty process.
- Job Fairs and Visa Seminars: Organize events to connect visa violators with potential employers and provide information on visa procedures.
- Affordable Housing: Explore options for affordable housing or rental assistance to help visa violators establish a stable living environment.
- Education and Training Programs: Offer vocational training or education programs to enhance skills and employability.
- Transportation Assistance: Consider providing subsidized transportation or reduced fares to facilitate commuting and access to job opportunities.
- Translation Services: Provide access to language translation services to assist with communication and documentation.
- Legal Aid: Extend assistance on legal services to address legal concerns.
- Repatriation Assistance: Offer assistance to repatriate citizens who wish to return home, including transportation costs and support services.
- Reintegration Programs: Develop programs to help returning citizens reintegrate into their home communities, including job placement and social support, to adjust to life back home.
- Economic Opportunities: Create favorable conditions and opportunities for economic development and job creation/ growth to attract returning citizens.
Reduced Fares: Offer discounted fares for visa violators returning to their home countries, making it more affordable for them to travel.
Taxi Services
Taxi drivers are typically not required to check the passenger's visa status. They are more focused on providing transportation services and ensuring passenger safety. However, there have been rare instances where authorities have conducted random checks on taxis to verify the legal status of passengers.
It's generally advisable to carry your passport with you when traveling in Dubai, just in case you encounter any unexpected situations. During the amnesty period, you can explain that you are in the process of modifying your status to protect yourself. This can help you avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings.
Here are other few things to keep in mind when using taxi services:
- Negotiation: Try to negotiate with taxi drivers over the fare, especially for longer distances. Be prepared to request for a fair price before starting your journey.
- Payment Options: Most taxi drivers accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or digital payments.
- Taxi Apps: Consider using a taxi app like Careem or Uber, which can be a convenient way to book a taxi and track your fare.
Banks
It is important for visa violators to have a bank account so that they can immediately get back to normal stream, particularly receiving money from all possible sources to help them rebuild lives. They can also resort to opening an online business or e-commerce business immediately to have something for survival and startup operation.
While opening a bank account in Dubai without a residence visa can be challenging, there are a few options that visa violators can explore:
- Employer-Sponsored Accounts: If the visa violator has a valid employment contract, his employer might be able to assist in opening a bank account. Some employers have arrangements with banks that allow them to sponsor employee accounts.
- Temporary Bank Accounts: Some banks may offer temporary bank accounts for individuals who are in the process of obtaining a residence visa. These accounts may have limited features and may require additional documentation.
- Remittance Services*: Visa violators can use remittance services like Western Union or MoneyGram to receive funds from their home country without a local bank account.
- Digital Wallets**: Mobile digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay can be used for making payments and receiving money, although they may have limitations for individuals without a local bank account.
While a minimum deposit and maintaining balance requirements are common in the UAE, some banks may offer more flexible options for individuals in specific circumstances, such as visa violators. It's advisable to contact several banks to inquire about their requirements and available options.
If you are unable to open a bank account immediately, consider exploring alternative financial options, such as prepaid cards or cash-based transactions. However, be aware of any potential limitations or fees associated with these options.
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*Remittance Services
However, in some cases, it might be possible to receive money through these services without a visa. This could be possible if:
- The sender provides the recipient's full name and address.
- The recipient has a valid passport or other identification document.
- The sender and recipient are known to each other.
Additionally, it's worth noting that fees associated with remittance services may vary depending on the amount being sent and the countries involved. It is always advisable to compare different providers and their fees before choosing a service.
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**Digital Wallets
Here are a few possibilities:
- Prepaid Cards: Many prepaid cards can be linked to digital wallets, allowing you to use them for contactless payments. These cards can be purchased without a bank account and often have limited features and fees.
- Mobile Money Services: Some countries have mobile money services that allow users to store and transfer money using their mobile phones. Check if these services are available in your area. Normally, SIM cards are associated with the visa and when they expire, the services are cut.
- Cryptocurrency Wallets: Cryptocurrency wallets can be used to store and transfer digital assets. While they may not be as widely accepted for everyday transactions, they can provide an alternative to traditional banking. Research more on this.
It is important to note that the availability and specific features of these options may vary depending on your location and the digital wallet platform you choose. It is recommended to research and compare different options to find the best solution for your needs.
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Extending Healthcare Services to Visa Violators During Amnesty
Government Healthcare Initiatives
- Partner with Healthcare Providers: The government can partner with public and private healthcare providers to offer discounted or subsidized services to visa violators during the amnesty period.
- Mobile Health Clinics: Deploy mobile health clinics to reach remote areas and provide basic healthcare services directly to visa violators.
- Online Consultations: Facilitate online consultations with doctors to reduce the need for physical visits and provide convenient access to healthcare.
- Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to inform visa violators about available healthcare services and the importance of seeking medical attention.
Private Healthcare Entity Initiatives
- Offer Discounted Services: Healthcare providers can offer discounted or subsidized services to visa violators during the amnesty period.
- Extended Hours: Extend operating hours to accommodate the needs of visa violators who may have limited time or difficulty accessing healthcare during regular business hours.
- Language Services: Provide language interpretation services to assist non-native English speakers in communicating with healthcare providers.
- Community Outreach: Partner with community organizations to reach out to vulnerable populations and provide healthcare services.
Additional Considerations
- Basic Healthcare Services: Ensure that basic healthcare services, such as general consultations, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses, are readily available.
- Chronic Conditions: Prioritize healthcare services for individuals with chronic conditions or urgent medical needs.
- Mental Health Support: Offer mental health services, including counseling and support groups, to address the emotional and psychological impact of the amnesty process.
- Coordination and Collaboration: Foster collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services.
By implementing these initiatives, the government and private entities can significantly improve access to healthcare services for visa violators during the amnesty period, promoting their overall well-being and facilitating their successful reintegration into society.
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Additional Tips
- Stay Positive and Resilient: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your ability to overcome challenges.
- Network and Build Relationships: Connect with people in your community and build strong relationships.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed.
- Learn from the Experience: Use this experience as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Someone says this --
Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep the faith. It will be all worth it at the end.
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When You Decide to Stay in the UAE, Support Families Back Home
While you are focused on their own reintegration in the UAE, it's important to consider the impact of your situation on your back home. Here are some ways to support families:
- Regular Communication: Maintain regular communication with family members through phone calls, video chats, or social media.
- Financial Support: If possible, send financial assistance to your family to help them meet their needs, but leave something for yourself always.
- Emotional Support: Offer emotional support and encouragement to your family members during this challenging time.
- Plan for Reunification: Explore options for family reunification, such as applying for visas or visiting your family when circumstances allow.
- Share Updates: Keep your family informed about your progress and any significant developments in your situation.
- Stay Strong: In case your family members change due to your vulnerable situation, just go on courageously in life, and do your level best to stay alive, be well, and live a purpose-driven life.
Your well-being is interconnected with your family's well-being. By providing support and maintaining strong family ties, you can help ensure the emotional and financial stability of your loved ones back home.
As always I passionately make efforts to inspire people who can read my blogs, and silently pray from my little corner.
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Image credits: This blogger, Canva
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