Overstayers' amnesty excludes ID card fines for Emiratis

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), has stated that the amnesty issued for overstayers to rectify their status does not include ID card fines for UAE nationals. The amnesty ends on October 30, 2024, the ICP added.

The Authority explained that there are states of exemption from ID card fines on an ongoing basis throughout the year, contingent upon the applicant's fulfilment of the stipulated terms and conditions pertaining to the said exemption.

The ICP has also said that the categories of individuals who are eligible to benefit from the decision are as follows: individuals who have overstayed their visas, those who have held residence permits for an extended period of time beyond the permitted grace period, those who have been listed in administrative reports or have ceased employment, and foreign-born infants whose parents have not confirmed their residence within four months of the baby's birth.

It also calls on those who have violated the residency system in the UAE to take advantage of the grace period to rectify their status. This may be achieved by submitting the requisite application through the ICP's electronic and smart channels, as well as authorised typing offices. It should be noted that there is no obligation to visit service centres, except in instances where individuals are notified to do so for the sole purpose of collecting their biometric fingerprint.

It further advises those who had violated the regulations to avail themselves of the grace period to regularise their status and benefit from the associated advantages and exemptions. The grace period represents an exceptional opportunity for violators to rectify their status and reside legally in the country, provided they obtain a job opportunity or leave the country safely without incurring fines.

The grace period offers a number of advantages to those who have violated the regulations, providing an incentive for them to rectify their status. These include exemption from administrative fines for residency and visas resulting from staying in the country illegally, establishment card fines, ID card fines, and fines imposed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Furthermore, the benefits include exemption from the cancellation fee for residency and visas, the fee for filing a work interruption report, departure fees, fees for residency and visa details, and departure permit fees. Furthermore, the grace period allows violators to leave the country and regularise their status without a ban stamp.