10 centres available across UAE for biometric fingerprints under amnesty scheme

Emadeddine Khalil, Stafff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has identified 10 fingerprinting centres across the country for those who have violated the residency regulations and wish to leave the country after rectifying their status within the amnesty period and having the financial fines and administrative restrictions on them waived.

The deadline of the amnesty is October 30, 2024. The ICP explained that these centres are: the Violators and Foreigners Affairs Department in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Section in Al Dhafra, Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Section in Al Maqam, Violators Tent in Al Awir, Dubai, Customer Happiness Centre in Al Rahmaneiya, Sharjah.

Additionally, there are Customer Happiness Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, Customer Happiness Centre in Ramla, Al Quwain, Customer Happiness Centre in Ajman, Customer Happiness Centre in Skukum, Fujairah, and Customer Happiness Centre in Dibba Al Fujairah.

Residency visa holders aged 15 years and above are required to undergo a fingerprinting process. Excluded categories include individuals holding an Emirates ID in, those who have previously held an Emirates ID, children under 15 years, and cases where it is not possible to capture the requisite fingerprint data.

The ICP called on all those who have violated the residency system in the country to take advantage of the grace period granted to them to rectify their status. This may be done by submitting the relevant application through the Authority's digital and smart channels and authorised typing offices.

It should be noted that there is no requirement to visit service centres, except when notified to do so, solely for the purpose of meeting the 'biometric fingerprint' requirement. In the event of an individual's intention to depart from the country, the Authority has outlined the procedure for biometric fingerprinting.

In the case where the individual has already provided his/her biometric fingerprint, the departure permit application will be submitted and the permit will be issued directly. Conversely, in the absence of the biometric fingerprint, the individual will be directed to visit a designated biometric centre (for those aged 15 years and above).

Following the completion of the fingerprinting procedures, the permit will then be issued. The ICP has also noted that the permitted period of departure is 14 days from the date of issuance. In the event that it is not possible to leave within the specified grace period or when the permit expires after the designated exemption period, all previous fines and restrictions will be automatically reinstated.