UAE visa amnesty scheme likely to be extended

Thousands of residents with expired documentation have applied for short-term passports since the start of the UAE visa amnesty, in a bid to take advantage of a six-month window to find work and extend their stay in the country.

Almost 1,800 short validity passports have been issued by the Indian embassy and consulate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi since the start of the amnesty programme in August.
Jobseekers who have overstayed their visa can obtain a six-month self-sponsored temporary visa, as per the amnesty scheme that has now been extended until December 1.

Those on expired visas were given the grace period to settle their status or leave the UAE voluntarily without legal consequences or fines.
“A lot of people on expired passports have renewed their passport because of the six-month window for them to find a job,” said Indian ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri. A standard Indian passport lasts for 10 years, while short validity passports are usually for one or two years and can be issued immediately.

Another 3,868 emergency certificates — a one-way ticket out of the country issued to people who have lost their passports or whose documents have been stolen or damaged — have been handed out by the Indian embassy during the amnesty period.
The Indian ambassador said many people in desperate situations have applied for emergency certificates after enduring tough experiences.

“When we talk to people who show up asking for an emergency certificate, all they want is to go back home, you can see their desperation,” said Mr Suri.

People against whom absconding reports were filed could also apply for amnesty and leave the UAE without a ban.


Culled From The National Ae.