UAE visa amnesty scheme: Pakistan embassy announces extended services

DUBAI: Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have announced extended support and services for Pakistani nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the country launches a visa amnesty scheme.

The initiative, which began on September 1 and will continue until October 31, 2024, is aimed at helping residents with expired visas legalize their status or return to Pakistan without penalties.

The amnesty scheme, introduced by the UAE government, provides a crucial opportunity for undocumented residents, including tourists and absconders, to regularize their stay or exit the country without facing future travel bans.

In response, Pakistani diplomatic missions have adjusted their operations to ensure maximum assistance for the Pakistani community in the UAE.

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A statement issued by the Pakistani missions emphasized their commitment to supporting the UAE government’s efforts, urging all eligible Pakistani nationals to take full advantage of the amnesty scheme.

“The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai are extending all possible assistance to Pakistani nationals living in the UAE to ensure that they can benefit fully from the UAE government’s amnesty scheme,” the statement read.

To accommodate the expected influx of applicants, the Pakistani missions will remain open on Saturdays until the end of October 2024.

Services available include the renewal and issuance of National Identity Cards (NICs), passport processing, attestation services, and the issuance of out-passes or emergency travel documents for those without valid passports.

This move is particularly significant given the large Pakistani diaspora in the UAE. Pakistanis constitute the second-largest expatriate community in the Emirates, with approximately 1.7 million residents.

The amnesty scheme is expected to provide much-needed relief to those facing difficulties due to expired visas, allowing them to either regularize their status or return to Pakistan without the burden of legal consequences.

The diplomatic missions reaffirmed their dedication to assisting the Pakistani community during this critical period. “The Embassy and Consulate General of Pakistan remain fully committed to supporting fellow Pakistani community members during this period,” the statement concluded.

WHAT IS THE UAE VISA AMNESTY SCHEME?

The two-month UAE visa amnesty programme that  started on September 1, is a golden opportunity for those who are staying illegally in the UAE to either regularise their residency status or leave the country without paying fines.

The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said on Wednesday there would be no overstay fine nor exit fee to be collected. Those who would opt to leave the country will not get an entry ban and they can return to the UAE any time with the right visa.

The amnesty programme covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Those who were born with no documents can also avail of the amnesty and rectify their status. Those who ran away or absconded from their sponsors can also apply. However, those who entered the country illegally, are not eligible to apply for the amnesty.

The UAE said the amnesty programme promotes “respect for the law, tolerance, compassion and social cohesion”. It provides an opportunity for visa and residency violators to correct their status through flexible and easy procedures. It also enables them to obtain their rights and exit safely or live and work in the country, in accordance with the law.