As the UAE’s visa amnesty program closed on October 31, a surge of overstaying foreigners and expats lined up to regularize their status or exit the country to avoid hefty overstay fines.
Local typing centers, authorized to handle amnesty applications, were inundated with applicants on the final day. “We’ve been assisting over 300 people daily this past week,” said Noushad Hussain, who manages one of the approved typing centers. “People left it until the last minute, so we’ve had at least 25 to 35 people in line at any given moment. We’ve extended our hours to accommodate the demand.”
Waiting on Job Approval
For some, the delay stemmed from last-ditch efforts to secure employment. K.L., an Indian expat who had overstayed for three years, found a job earlier in October. “My company applied for my visa last week,” he shared. “I was advised to wait until midday for approval; if it didn’t come through, they suggested I get an outpass to leave the country.”
K.L. expressed his preference to leave temporarily rather than risk penalties. “If I don’t get my outpass today, I’m concerned that my overstay fines will apply again tomorrow. I’d rather leave and return when the visa is ready.”
A Hope to Return
Others, like a 47-year-old Pakistani expat, hoped until the last moment for a new job. After a decade in the UAE, he faced fines when his previous employer, a sales company, closed down and held onto his passport. Despite efforts during the amnesty period, including a recent job interview that didn’t pan out, he was left with no option but to leave. “I plan to return and continue my job search once I’m cleared,” he said.
A Final Opportunity
Authorities have emphasized that this amnesty is one of the most lenient offered in the UAE, providing overstayers with a chance to either legalize their status or exit without penalties or employment bans. However, the end of the amnesty period means stricter penalties will soon be in place for those who overstay and those who employ them.
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