No curbs on travelling soon after obtaining exit pass in UAE

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Residents waiting for their turn to avail the benefits of the amnesty scheme.– Photo by M. Sajjad
Residents waiting for their turn to avail the benefits of the amnesty scheme.- Photo by M. Sajjad

Abu Dhabi - Aim of the amnesty is to help visa or residence violators within the UAE to rectify their status.

By Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Mon 6 Aug 2018, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 14 Aug 2018, 3:43 PM

An illegal resident can leave the country immediately after obtaining an exit pass or permit, an official from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) has clarified.
"The procedure for the exit pass takes a period from one day to one week, depending on nature of cases," Abdul Azeez Al Maamar, head of media relations department at the authority, told Khaleej Times on Monday.
He also confirmed that former UAE residents who left the country with an entry ban as a result of visa or residence violations cannot make use of the amnesty scheme.
"The aim of the amnesty initiative is to rectify the status of the visa or residence violators who are within the UAE. Amnesty doesn't include people who are outside the country." Al Maamar added.
The official was clarifying about the confusing statements on whether people earlier deported for violating residence laws can have their entry ban lifted under the current amnesty scheme and apply for new visas so they can re-enter the UAE and look for jobs.
Meanwhile, officers at the Consulate General of India (CGI) confirmed that they are providing air tickets to families and individuals on a case-to-case basis, depending on their economic condition.
Prem Chand, Consul for passport, attestation and community welfare at the CGI, said: "As the immigration offices have a pre-requisite of additional 10 days before residents to exit the country, we are waiting to gain clarity on the same before issuing the tickets."
However, if people want to leave immediately, they are free to do so.
Prem Chand added that the Indian Consulate has issued up to 50 emergency certificates or travel documents per day, since the beginning of amnesty. A total of 300 travel documents have been issued by the mission since August 1.
"We are issuing the travel documents within one day of application. For example, if an amnesty seeker gives in an application on August 6, he will receive the travel document by August 7," added Chand.
Brigadier Khalaf Al Ghaith, assistant director-general of follow-up sector of violators and foreigners at the general directorate of residency and foreign affairs (GDRFA), had previously told Khaleej Times that the 10-day waiting period is required to clear a person's name in the system.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
 


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