UAE visa amnesty gives expats fresh start as 2025 approaches

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Hundreds of expats are stepping into 2025 with renewed hope and aspirations after regularising their residency status through the UAE’s visa amnesty and securing new jobs.

Launched on September 1 and extended for two months - from October 31 to December 31 - the amnesty programme provided a lifeline to visa and residency violators. Gulf News spoke to several beneficiaries who shared their joy at receiving a golden opportunity to start anew, earn a livelihood, and support their families.

Antony, from the Philippines, arrived in Dubai on a visit visa with his family. After overstaying for more than a year, he discovered that an absconding case had been filed against him. The amnesty programme allowed him to rectify his status without incurring fines, which had amounted to around Dh36,000, and his absconding case was also resolved.

“I’m very happy that we were stuck here without a visa. Now, my family’s status has been changed as well. We’re looking forward to this new chapter after I found a job as a salesman,” said Antony, 35, who is now employed by a private company in Dubai’s Al Qouz.

‘We’re relieved’

Nasser and Yousef, both from Algeria, had fines totalling Dh40,000 each waived after overstaying for more than a year. They both secured jobs at a company in Deira.

“We’re relieved. We’ve both found new jobs, and we’re looking forward to working as legal residents in Dubai,” the duo said.

Similarly, Heba Saleh from Syria had overstay fines of Dh10,000 relaxed and secured a job.

“I’m grateful to the authorities for their generosity. Many people like me now have a second chance at life,” Saleh said.

Fayiz Muhammed, administration manager at a typing centre, said hundreds of individuals had regularised their status through the amnesty programme.

“We saw a large number of overstayers coming to rectify their status. We helped them change their status to a new visa with no fines,” Muhammed said.

‘This job means everything’

Abhijeet Ahire, a 31-year-old computer engineer, found a job through the amnesty. The Indian expat had been stranded in the UAE since 2022, as his visit visa was never converted into an employment visa, leaving him with substantial fines.

“I’m really glad I got this chance,” Ahire said.

Similarly, a Dubai-based company recruited about 15 people through the amnesty scheme. Among them is Syed Irfan Nazar, a Pakistani expatriate, who had overstay fines totaling Dh150,000 waived. He has now secured a job as a logistics team member, earning a steady income that allows him to support his family and send his children back to school.

“This job means everything to me. It’s my chance to rebuild my life and secure a better future for my children,” Nazar said.