The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
Abu Dhabi / WAM
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) issued a decision to extend the amnesty granted by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for violators of the Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners for three months effective August 18 through November 17 to enable them to leave the country and exempt them from all resulting fines.
In a statement, the ICA said the amnesty covers violations that took place before March 1 this year and applies to the entry and residency visa law.
Major General Saeed Rakan Al-Rashdi, Director General of Foreign Affairs and Ports in ICA, said the decision adds to the national initiatives taken as part of the government’s determination to ensure the interests of all individuals under the current challenging circumstances the entire world is going through as a result of the Covid-19.
All related restrictions will be waived, including the ban stamp, under the noble initiative, he said, adding that leaving the country is a precondition to take advantage of the amnesty.
Visa violators, in the event of departure from the Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah airports, must arrive six hours ahead of their flights to complete their travel procedures.
“Violators wishing to leave the country from Dubai airport have to contact the Civil Aviation Security Police Centre and the Deportation Centre near Departure Terminal 3, 48 hours before their flights,” he explained.
Al Rashdi added that the ICA facilitated the departure of violators in three steps only, namely having own passport, air tickets and arriving early enough at the airport ahead of flight time.
The ICA has also set up a dedicated operation room to monitor customer inquiries and those with amnesty-related queries can call the toll-free number 800453 from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Al Rashdi called upon all the violators to benefit from the noble initiative, noting that the decision will reflect positively on enhancing levels of security and stability in the UAE.