Investors, partners urged to cancel establishments before applying to leave UAE under amnesty scheme

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has called on partners and investors who intend to leave the UAE to complete the requisite procedures for cancellation of their establishments in the Authority's systems prior to the submission of their departure request. This is in accordance with the amnesty designated to individuals in violation of the residency law, which is set to end on October 30, 2024.

In the event that a partner or investor having an exit permit prior to the amnesty and has subsequently exceeded the permitted period without leaving the country, he/she may visit the concerned departments at the state level in order to settle applicable restrictions and, subsequently, submit a request to remain in the country or rectify status and leave the country. In such instances, the fines would be waived and the relevant circular and restrictions would be paid, while allowing the beneficiary to leave the country without having the ban stamp on their passports.

The ICP urges all those who have violated the residency system in the UAE to take advantage of the amnesty to rectify their status. This may be done by submitting the relevant application through the Authority's digital and smart channels and accredited typing centres. It should be noted that there is no requirement to visit the service centres, except in cases where individuals are required to do so for giving their biometric fingerprint.

The categories that will benefit from the decision are those who have violated visa regulations, those who have violated residency regulations, individuals who have been identified in administrative reports, and individuals who have ceased employment. Additionally, foreign-born children who are currently residing in the country but whose legal guardian has not yet confirmed their residency status are also included. The aforementioned grace period does not extend to three specific categories: those who have violated their residency status after 1 September 2024, those who have ceased employment after the same date, and individuals who have been deported from the country or from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The amnesty offers a number of advantages to encourage those in violation of the regulations to rectify their status. These include exemption from administrative fines for residency and visas resulting from overstaying, establishment card fines, ID card fines, and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation fines. Additionally, the benefits extend to exemption from the residency and visa cancellation fee, the fee for filing a work interruption report, departure fees, residency and visa details fees, and departure permit fees. The grace period allows those who have violated the terms of their status to leave the country and rectify their situation without being banned to enter the country upon their return.