Photo: KT File
Published: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 11:13am
Last updated: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 11:07 p.m.
UAE authorities announced on Tuesday that visa-free overstayers must leave the country by October 31.
Previously, exit passes given to amnesty applicants were valid for only 14 days. This grace period has now been extended until the end of the project, officials confirmed to Khaleej Times.
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Lieutenant General Salem Bin Ali, Director of Customer Wellbeing, told KT that the UAE government has decided to give overstayers more flexibility in their departure schedules.
“Previously, those who took advantage of the amnesty had to leave the country within 14 days of receiving the amnesty. Today, we have extended this grace period until the end of the amnesty period,” the official said.
The extension period will be specified on the exit permit issued to amnesty applicants, and they can leave the country at any time within the period, it added.
Lieutenant General Salem Bin Ali
However, Lieutenant General Bin Ali urged overstayers to leave the country as soon as possible, warning that late departures could result in higher ticket prices as airfares increase during the busy winter season.
“Airfares tend to be higher during the winter months, so we ask those seeking amnesty not to wait until the last moment before departure,” he said.
The amnesty program provides overstayers with the opportunity to regularize their status and leave the UAE without penalty, giving them a chance to make a fresh start.
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