As reported by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), over 236,000 foreign nationals took advantage of the opportunity to regularize their status. The visa amnesty program, which began on September 1, concluded on December 31, 2024.
Under the amnesty, individuals who violated UAE immigration laws were allowed to legalize their status in the country or leave without incurring penalties. As a result of the amnesty, more than 55,000 people received permission to exit the country.
Following the amnesty’s conclusion, authorities will resume inspections to identify visa violators, who will face deportation and inclusion in “blacklists.” Employers hiring individuals with invalid visas will be subject to fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million dirhams.
