The New UAE Visa Amnesty Program: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The UAE has recently announced an unprecedented Visa Amnesty Program aimed at providing relief to those who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration laws. This program offers a chance to clear your immigration record without facing hefty fines or legal penalties. Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity.

Key Details of the Amnesty Program

Starting from September 1, 2024, and running until October 31, 2024, the Visa Amnesty Program applies to four main categories:

  1. Residence Violators: Those who have overstayed their visas.
  2. Visa Violators: Individuals who have breached visa rules.
  3. Absconders: People reported as absconded by their employers or sponsors.
  4. Foreigners Born in the UAE Without Proper Documentation: Individuals who were born in the UAE but never obtained a residency visa.

However, this amnesty does not cover:

  • New Violators: Individuals who default after September 1, 2024.
  • Those with a Deportation Order: People who have a deportation decision issued against them.

How Does the Amnesty Program Work?

The amnesty program allows eligible individuals to clear their immigration records without paying any fines. Once their status is regularized, they have two options:

  1. Leave the UAE: Depart without a travel ban, meaning they can return in the future.
  2. Stay in the UAE: Apply for a new residence status and remain in the country legally.

Specific Provisions for Different Categories

  • For Foreigners Born in the UAE Without Papers: Individuals who never obtained a residency visa and have accrued substantial fines since birth can now clear their records without financial penalties. They can either leave the UAE without a travel ban or apply for a residency visa under the sponsorship of a family member or guarantor.
  • For Employees with Residency Violations: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) handles cases for both private sector and domestic employees. This includes lifting abscondment complaints and processing work permits. Employees can either exit the country on an exit document without a travel ban or apply for a new residence visa to stay legally.

How to Apply for the Amnesty Program?

Eligible individuals can apply through multiple channels:

  1. Online Platforms:
  1. Service Centers: Visit the ICP or MOHRE centers, specific business service centers, or domestic workers service centers across the UAE.
  2. E-Channels: Utilize the various e-channels and mobile apps provided by ICP and MOHRE.

For those who have not registered their biometric data, fingerprinting is a requirement and can be completed at designated centers. For a list of approved fingerprinting centers, please visit the ICP website.

Why Act Now?

This program is a unique opportunity for many to regularize their status, free from any financial or legal consequences. It’s accessible for only two months, so those eligible should act quickly to benefit from the program’s provisions.

Conclusion

The UAE’s Visa Amnesty Program represents a comprehensive and compassionate approach to resolving immigration issues for thousands of individuals. This is a full amnesty, meaning that all fines are waived, and there are no risks of jail time or deportation for those who qualify and apply within the stipulated period.

Applicants should feel confident and unafraid to come forward and regularize their status. The program is designed to facilitate a smooth and efficient resolution, enabling people to either return to their home countries without any travel restrictions or to stay in the UAE legally by obtaining a new residence visa.

This amnesty program is not just an opportunity—it’s a second chance to clear your record, live without fear of legal repercussions, and regain your freedom, whether that means returning home or continuing your life in the UAE. So, if you are eligible, don’t hesitate. Take advantage of this unique and generous initiative before it ends on October 31, 2024.

Remember, the goal of this program is to provide a fresh start without any negative consequences. Make sure to act promptly and secure your future today!

UAE Golden Visa – Real Estate Investor Visa Dubai & Other Emirates

golden visa for real estate investors

Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

golden visa for real estate investors

UAE Golden Visa is available for real estate investors. 

Eligibility  

To qualify for UAE Golden Visa on this basis, a number of requirements must be met. 

    1. The total value of the real estate investment must be at least AED 2 million.  This may include multiple properties.
    2. Next, the real estate investment must be wholly owned by the Investor. 
    3. If the property is mortgaged, it can also qualify, as long as the mortgage is from a local bank.
    4. Golden Visa is also available for real estate investors in Dubai & other emirates in the off-plan properties.
      • As long as the total value of the investment is at least AED 2 million. 
      • And the purchase is from local companies, approved by the authorities. 
    5. There is also a requirement of comprehensive health insurance, throughout the validity of the permit.

Application 

  • Applications for the real estate investor visa in Dubai must go through the Dubai Land Department. 
  • For other emirates, applications should be made through the ICA.

This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. And Article 8, part II, in particular.

UAE Golden Visa - Real Estate Investor Visa | FAQ

  • The total value of the real estate investment must be at least AED 2 million.  This may include multiple properties.

The real estate investors in Dubai can apply for the UAE Golden Visa through the Dubai Land Department.

Application for the UAE Golden Visa for other Emirates must be made through the ICA.

No. In order to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa –  Real Estate Investor Visa in Dubai and other Emirates, the property must be wholly owned by the investor.

Yes. As long as the property is mortgaged from a local bank – the real estate investors in Dubai or other Emirates can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa.

Maintaining UAE Golden Visa | Overview

Maintaining Golden Residency UAE

Maintaining Golden Visa

Maintaining Golden Residency UAE

The UAE Golden Visa, which is issued for 10 years, can be maintained for the entire 10-year period, provided that certain conditions are met. 

Specifically, to maintain UAE Golden visa, the holders: 

  • Must be able to support themselves and their family members, who are sponsored by them, throughout the period of their residency. 
  • They must, also, maintain valid health insurance, throughout the entire period. 
  • And, depending on the category of the Golden visa, they may have to continue to fulfill the conditions, in full or in part, which qualified them for the Golden Residence Permit, at the outset. 

In general, the ICA, which is the UAE governing Authority over such matters, may issue decisions, setting out specific conditions, required for Golden Residency holders to continue to maintain their residency,

This is in line with Article 4 of the Annex to the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. And the corresponding regulations. 

Golden Visa UAE Benefits - FAQ

  • The holder must be able to support themselves and their family members, who are sponsored by them
  • They must maintain valid health insurance,
  • And, depending on the Golden Visa category, they may have to continue to fulfill the conditions, in full or in part.

Yes. The dependent family members’ of Golden Visa will continue to remain valid until permit expiration period.

No. There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months as compared to types of residencies.

The Golden Visa UAE is issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can in fact start a business, work and even invest in the UAE.

Golden Visa UAE | Benefits

Golden visa uae benefits

Golden Visa UAE Benefits

Golden visa uae benefits

The UAE Golden Residency has many benefits. Some of the most notable benefits are as follows. 

  1. Golden Visa UAE Benefits –  Long Term Residency
    It is a long-term residency permit for the UAE, issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.
  2. Golden Visa UAE Benefits –  Self-Sponsorship
    It is a form of self-sponsorship, without the requirement of a Guarantor or a Host.
  3. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Ability to Sponsor Family Members
    Golden Residency applies, equally, to family members, including spouses, children, regardless of their age and parents.
  4. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Opportunities
    Golden Residence is available for various activities in the UAE, including to work, to invest or to start a business.
  5. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Long-Term Sponsorship of Domestic Workers
    Golden Residency holders can recruit domestic service workers for 2 years, as compared to 1 year for other residents. 
  6. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – No 6-month Re-Entry Rule
    There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months, to maintain the residency, as is the case with other types of residencies.
  7. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Multiple Entry for those Eligible
    Those who are eligible for Golden Residency and are outside of the UAE, are entitled to a 6-month multiple entry Visa, renewable for another 6 months, to complete the permit process.
  8. Golden Visa UAE Benefits – Validity of Visa in the Event of Death
    In the event of death of the main holder of the Golden Residency Permit, the dependent family members’ Golden Residency remains valid, until the expiration of the permit. 

This is in line with, among other things, Articles 1 and 3 of the Annex to the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. As well as other provisions in the UAE Immigration Laws and regulations. 

Golden Visa UAE Benefits - FAQ

Yes. In the event of death, the dependent family members’ of Golden Visa will continue to remain valid until the expiration of the permit.

No. There is no requirement to visit the UAE, every 6 months as compared to types of residencies.

The Golden Visa UAE is issued for 10 years and renewable for the same period of time.

Yes. Golden Visa holders can in fact invest, work and even start a business in the UAE.

Yes. To clarify, Golden Residency holders can recruit domestic workers for 2 years, as compared to 1 year for other types of residencies.

Types of Deportations for Foreigners in the UAE

Deportations Types for Foreigners in the UAE 

    1. Deportation of foreigners from the UAE can be of 2 types.
    2. One type of deportation is called Judicial Deportation.

      3. -This is the type of deportation, which is ordered by the Court.

      -It could be for a crime, which carries deportation as one of the penalties.

      -In most cases, this would result from violation of the UAE criminal laws.

    3. The other type of deportation is, what is called, as Administrative Deportation.

      4. -Administrative deportations are issued by the security authorities, such as the police, prosecution or immigration.

      -Importantly, administrative deportations could apply even in cases where the foreigner has a valid Residence Permit.

      -Such administrative deportation can be ordered when the foreigner has no apparent means of survival or if the security authorities consider that deportation is required either by the public interest, public security or public morals.

    4. This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 and Articles 70 and 71, in particular.

Mothers Sponsoring Children in the UAE

Mothers Sponsoring Children in UAE

Mothers Sponsoring Children in the UAE. 

    1. Expat mothers in the UAE can sponsor their children, for purpose of UAE residency.
    2. The specific requirements for mothers to do so, include a minimum monthly salary of either AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. Notably, this is as compared to the previous requirement of AED 10,000/salary.
    3. There is also a requirement of a tenancy contract, which can be either in her name or in the name of the husband.
    4. And, importantly, the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the husband, stating that he does not object for the wife to sponsor their child.
    5. This is in line with the UAE Immigration Laws and ICA regulations.

Residency for Newborns in the UAE

Residency for Newborns

Residency for Newborns in the UAE. 

    1. Newborns of expats in the U.A.E. can obtain UAE residency through one of their parents.
    2. For parents to qualify to sponsor their newborn children, a number of requirements must be met.

      3. One, the sponsoring parent must be a UAE resident.

      Two, the minimum monthly salary of the sponsoring parent must be either AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation

      Also, the sponsor must have a registered tenancy agreement.

    3. To apply, some of the required documents of the sponsor include:

      4. -Original passport, with at least 6 months validity.

      -Original Emirates ID

      -Salary certificate or employment agreement – showing the minimum salary

      -Tenancy agreement

      -Utility bill

      -Health insurance

      -Colored photograph and

      -IBAN number

    4. Additionally, the following documents of child must also be submitted:

      5. -Child’s original passport

      -Colored photograph

      -Attested birth certificate and

      -o Medical insurance

    5. The fees for the application are around AED 500.
    6. This is in line with the UAE Immigration laws and the ICA regulations.

Deportation Time with Interests in Country

Time for Deportation

Time for Deportation 

    1. A person who is ordered to be deported from the UAE and the deportation decision is final and not subject to appeal, must leave the country within 1 month.
    2. Notably, if the person to be deported has interests in the UAE, that require liquidation:

      3. -The ICA is obligated to grant them a grace period to liquidate those interests.

      -On the condition that – the person submits an acceptable guarantee; and that this period does not exceed 3 months.

    3. This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 – Articles 69 and 75

Place of Stay before Deportation

Place of stay before deportation

Place of Stay before Deportation 

    1. Whenever a deportation decision is issued against a foreigner in the UAE, it is not always the case that the foreigner gets to wait out their time to leave the country, in the comfort of their own home.
    2. If the authorities deem it necessary, the person can be arrested, after approval of the Federal Public Attorney; and held in a penal or correctional institution; for a maximum of 1 month.
    3. This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 – Article 73

Deportation Expenses in the UAE

Deportation expenses

Deportation Expenses in the UAE 

    1. Deportation of foreigners from the UAE is subject to various expenses. Those expenses can include:

      2. -Airline tickets,

      -Overstay penalties and

      -Other administrative fines.

    2. These expenses can be incurred for the person who being deported, as well as the family members, who are being deported along with him.
    3. The obligation for these deportation expenses, falls, first, on the person who is being deported, on his own account.
    4. However, if that person is not able to cover those expenses, the obligation falls either on:

      5. -That person’s original Guarantor; or

      -The person’s Employer, who is listed on the last Residence Permit, in the event of an employment agreement

      -Or whoever employs the foreigner, in violation of the UAE Laws

      -Those who are hired by one employer, but work for others.

    5. If neither of these options is possible, then the ICA will cover the deportation expenses.
    6. This is in accordance with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 and Articles 68 and 74, of that law.