Amnesty centres in UAE reopen after Eid Al Adha break

Abu Dhabi - The amnesty programme will run until October 31.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) has called on all illegal residents who haven't yet regulated their status or registered for an exit pass under the amnesty scheme to do so quickly as the registration centres have resumed operation after a week-long break.

The Protect Yourself by Modifying Your Status initiative, that grants a three-month grace period for illegal residents to modify their status or leave the UAE without facing fines or legal issues, will run until October 31.

Officials have warned that intensive campaigns will be conducted across the country to crackdown on the violators of residence laws after the end of the three-month amnesty initiative and that those caught living illegally in the UAE will face tough penalties.

Firms employing illegal residents have also been told to avail of the amnesty scheme, which began from August 1, and rectify the status of their workers to avoid facing hefty fines.

Authorities also reminded families from war-torn countries including Yemen and Syria to register under the amnesty scheme so they can avail use of the one-year residence visa. Officials said the residence visa, which is being offered to the refugees regardless of their condition of residence, is intended to offer those affected a chance to improve their living conditions until they are ready to return to their home countries.

Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, director of residence affairs at the FAIC, said: "The amnesty registration centres across the UAE have registered and issued exit passes to a big number of illegal residents wanting to exit country the beginning of the amnesty initiative.

"Those seeking to rectify their status to remain in the UAE and look for jobs after being granted a six-month temporary residence visa, have also been dealt with by the Amer and Tasheel centres across the country."

He added: "All those illegal residents who haven't registered for amnesty should do so immediately and avail of this great opportunity to avoid problems as those caught violating residence laws after the end of amnesty period will face tough penalties."

Al Rashidi added that additional tents have been provided at the Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah registration centres to receive more applicants over the coming weeks.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi