Over Dh7m fines waived for amnesty-seeker in UAE

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Brigadier Sultan checking the application of one of the illegal residents in Ras Al Khaimah.- Supplied photo
Brigadier Sultan checking the application of one of the illegal residents in Ras Al Khaimah.- Supplied photo

Ras Al Khaimah - The fines quashed on Sunday alone reached Dh13.8 million.

By Ahmed Shaaban

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Published: Tue 7 Aug 2018, 4:01 PM

Last updated: Tue 14 Aug 2018, 3:47 PM

An Arab man, who has been overstaying with his family in the country since 1995, got over Dh7 million in fines waived off by the immigration centre in Ras Al Khaimah, thanks to the amnesty scheme.

The man, his wife, sister and his four children had been illegal residents in the UAE for 23 years. "I could not pay the hefty fines imposed on me and my family for overstaying in the country."

This (the amnesty) is actually a precious chance to have some peace of mind and be legal residents, he added. "This humanitarian initiative reflects the UAE leadership's passion to protect all residents here, particularly those hit by war back home."

Similar sentiments were echoed by a Tajik woman who would also be able to finally go back home without paying the huge fines. "I have long waited for this moment as I was supposed to pay fines up to Dh511,500, but this generous move has given me a new lease of life."

Hundreds of applications have been processed and more people are showing up to avail the three-month amnesty which kicked off on August 1 this year, said Brigadier Sultan Yusuf Al Nuaimi, executive director of the residency and foreigners affairs in Ras Al Khaimah.

Records show that the immigration centre in Ras Al Khaimah has so far processed applications of over 500 illegals, who are mostly absconders.

"The fines quashed on Sunday (August 5) alone reached Dh13,828,710, and that shows the massive number of applications being processed," he said. "We could not help but open new centres to quickly handle the growing numbers of applicants, some of who decided to amend their positions and avail this opportunity after being urged and advised by the imams of the mosques in Friday sermons."

No need to worry about any ban, Brig Nuaimi underlined. "The RAK immigration centres are open from 7.30am to 8pm. Applicants must not delay for fear of their incomplete documents. Some also need to have their passports renewed, and that could take a long time."

While most applicants had 'absconding' report filed against them, such was not the case with 27-year-old Bilal Mohammed, an Arab.

"I used to work with my Gulf employer who left the country in 2016 before starting due procedures to get me a residency visa, and I could not fly back home since then."

Bilal's boss had left the country without paying him his salary, he added. "I had to overstay my visit visa to pay my debts because I had borrowed money to travel to the UAE when I first arrived in 2016."

Bilal, who used to take care of his employer's falcons, got 'outpass' to leave the country as requested. "I want to go home now and join my family."

Meanwhile, some illegal residents, who are from war-ravaged countries, said it was difficult for them to submit all the documents required to get a one-year residency visa.

One of them, Abu Mohammed, said they were asked to get an attested tenancy contract, water and electricity bills, labour contract, marriage contract, birth certificate, salary certificate and passport copy.

"It is so difficult to get all these documents because of our situation, and mine is not an isolated case. This is the plight of many of our compatriots."

Noura Saeed, an Arab illegal resident, said she was extremely excited about the amnesty. "Finally, I will be able to get married after a dragged out engagement."

Noura could not start the due marriage procedures since she has overstayed her visit by five years. "It was so difficult for me to pay all these astronomical fines, but I am no more worried now as I hope to get residency visa."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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