Last day of amnesty in the UAE: illegal immigrants rush to regularize their status and avoid late fines – News

The last day of the UAE visa amnesty program on Thursday, October 31 saw an increase in the number of overstaying foreigners and expats. Approved typing centers have reportedly had to hire extra staff to cope with the influx of people.

Noushad Hussain, manager of the approved typing center, said they were receiving more than 300 amnesty applicants every day this week. “People waited until the last minute,” he said. “At any given time we have at least 25 to 35 people waiting in line. We’re working longer hours to make sure we can meet demand.”

K.L., an expatriate from India, was waiting to hear from the company where he had found a job. “I’ve been late for three years,” he said. “Earlier this month I managed to find a job and last week the company applied for my visa but it has not yet been approved. They advised me to wait until noon today, and if approval did not come, they told me to get a pass and leave the country.”

He said Khaleej Times he chose to leave and return rather than risk fines. “I think if I don’t get a pass today, my overstay fines will be reinstated tomorrow. I don’t want to take that risk. I will leave and return when the visa approval comes.”

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Leave and come back

Another expat, who wished to remain anonymous, said he waited until the last minute in hopes of getting a job.

“I have been living in the UAE for 10 years,” said the 47-year-old Pakistani expat, noting: “In 2022, I joined a new company as a salesperson, but the company closed down. They took my passport and then fined me for overstaying.

“So I couldn’t leave. Since the announcement of the amnesty, I have been trying to look for work. Yesterday I had an interview, but it also did not take place. Now I have no choice but to leave. I hope to come back and look for work again,” he added.

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