Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), thanked strategic partners for contributing to the initiative’s success.
He reported that 236,000 violators benefitted from the program, which facilitated status adjustments and departures. Of these, over 55,000 individuals have already left the UAE, while the rest are in the process of leaving.
“A total of 55,200 exit permits were issued to violators of residency and visa laws. Around 41,000 violators have already departed, with the remaining cases still underway,” he stated.
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Lt Gen Al Marri highlighted challenges in arranging departures, including a shortage of travel tickets and high costs. To address this, GDRFA Dubai provided financial assistance to many individuals who could not afford travel expenses.
Speaking to Noor Dubai Radio, he explained that the grace period, which includes waivers of financial penalties and administrative restrictions, ends on Tuesday, December 31. This period initially started on September 1 and was extended by two months to coincide with the UAE’s 53rd National Day celebrations in December.
“This initiative has been unprecedented in its success compared to previous amnesties, with smooth procedures, excellent organization, and efficient processing,” Lt Gen Al Marri remarked. He also thanked various government entities, including Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, for their collaborative efforts.
Final Opportunity
Lt Gen Al Marri urged violators to act before the deadline, as penalties would resume afterward. Inspection campaigns targeting violators will intensify, and legal action will follow for those who fail to comply. He stressed that the extended grace period is the final chance to settle violations without penalties or bans.
Eligible Categories
The amnesty applies to visa and residency violators, those listed in administrative reports, individuals who left their jobs without legal grounds, and foreign-born children whose residency was not regularized within four months of birth.
Addressing Challenges
The initiative also provided support to violators facing hardships, such as joblessness or exploitation by middlemen. Dubai’s task forces assisted individuals in securing travel tickets and adjusting their statuses. Many violators were successfully employed in private sector companies through coordination between GDRFA Dubai and businesses seeking workers.
Tackling Exploitation
Lt Gen Al Marri highlighted that many violators had been defrauded by middlemen in their home countries who falsely promised job opportunities in the UAE. Others faced financial difficulties or were victims of company bankruptcies. He commended the efforts of Dubai’s Labor Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources in addressing these issues and ensuring labor market stability.
Collaborative Efforts
The initiative involved collaboration with embassies and consulates to address the root causes of labor exploitation. Representatives from diplomatic missions actively participated in assisting violators and ensuring humane treatment for all.
Lt Gen Al Marri concluded by acknowledging the collective responsibility to eliminate labor exploitation and preserve the security, stability, and dignity of all individuals living in the UAE.