Big relief for expats; Airline companies to give huge discounts on ticket prices

ABU DHABI: Amnesty has been announced in the UAE after six years. The duration of the action, which will benefit thousands of expatriates including Indians, is from tomorrow to October 30. This is an act that allows those who stay illegally in the country after the visa expires to leave the country or renew their visa status without penalty. There is another comforting news for the expatriates applying for amnesty.

Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) authorities have announced that those who wish to leave the country through the amnesty will be given a discount on air ticket prices. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Deputy Director General Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor stated that they have communicated with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia regarding the reduction of ticket prices. ICP said that the airlines have responded positively to the proposal.

Those whose residency visas have expired, those who seek employment on a visit visa and whose visas have expired, children who were born in the UAE but have not applied for residency, and those who absconded from their sponsors, etc., can apply for amnesty. Those who entered the country illegally cannot apply for amnesty.

No penalty or exit fee is required for amnesty applicants. Those who leave the country will not face a re-entry ban. You can return to the UAE anytime with the right visa.

Those who have recorded their biometric fingerprints can apply online for a departure permit to leave the UAE. ICP informed that exit permit will be given to them directly. Those who do not have biometric documents should apply at special centers for this purpose. An exit permit will be issued after the fingerprinting process is completed. The validity of the exit permit is 14 days. All previous fines will be reinstated if you have not left the country after that.