The UAE has recently introduced three revised rules in its visa amnesty program, aiming to aid illegal residents in regularizing their status with less difficulty. These amendments are designed to alleviate the challenges faced by those living in the UAE without legal documentation and streamline the process for their regularization.

Extension of the Exit Permit Validity:

Initially, individuals granted amnesty were given a 14-day window to leave the UAE. This timeframe has now been expanded to span the entire duration of the amnesty program, giving those with an exit pass until October 31 to arrange their flights and depart the country.

Relaxed Passport Validity Requirements:

To apply for amnesty, the passport validity requirement has been reduced from the standard six months to just one month. This change significantly eases the process for those whose passports are near expiration, eliminating the need for a rapid renewal before applying for amnesty.

Waiver of Health Insurance Fines in Abu Dhabi:

For amnesty recipients in Abu Dhabi, fines associated with health insurance violations will be waived provided they secure health insurance within a specified period after receiving amnesty. This initiative removes an additional financial burden from individuals and families already facing uncertainty.

These changes reflect the UAE government’s commitment to a humanitarian approach towards immigration and residency issues, recognizing the challenges faced by undocumented residents and providing them practical solutions to resolve their status legally and without undue burden.