How to Apply for Amnesty in UAE?

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Overstaying a visa in the UAE can result in serious penalties, including daily fines, detainment, and even deportation. In 2024, the UAE government offered a visa amnesty program, giving individuals the opportunity to exit the country legally or correct their status without punishment. However, as of 2025, that program has ended and no official amnesty has been reintroduced.

This has left many residents and visitors wondering what steps they can take if they are currently in violation of immigration laws. This guide provides accurate, updated information on how to check your visa status, understand the legal consequences of overstaying, and explore available options for resolving your situation.

While amnesty is no longer available, knowing the right process can help you avoid further legal trouble and find a pathway to legal residency or safe departure.

What Is the UAE Amnesty Program?

The UAE amnesty program was a temporary government initiative aimed at helping individuals who violated immigration laws regularize their status or leave the country without penalties. Introduced several times in the past, the most recent version ran from September 1 to December 31, 2024.

The program applied to people in the following situations:

Those with expired visit or residency visas
Individuals with accumulated overstay fines
Workers with canceled or invalid employment visas
People with absconding reports before the amnesty period
Residents who unintentionally violated visa rules due to personal or financial issues

Excluded from the program were individuals involved in serious crimes, repeat offenders, or those who entered the UAE illegally. The initiative allowed many to leave the UAE without an entry ban or to secure new visas without paying massive fines. Although this program was widely appreciated, it officially ended in December 2024, and no extension has been offered into 2025.

Is There a UAE Visa Amnesty Program in 2025?

No, there is currently no UAE visa amnesty program in 2025. The last amnesty initiative concluded on December 31, 2024, following a two-month extension due to high demand. The government has not announced any plans for reactivation or renewal this year. Individuals still residing in the UAE with expired or invalid visas are no longer protected by any grace period.

Overstaying now carries strict legal consequences, including:

Daily fines of AED 50
Deportation orders for serious or repeated violations
Employer liability for hiring undocumented individuals

The UAE continues to enforce visa compliance through frequent inspections and smart tracking systems managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

If your visa has expired or your residency is no longer valid, it is critical to take immediate legal steps to resolve your status. Delaying can lead to increased fines and possible bans from reentering the country.

How Can You Check Your Visa or Residency Status in 2025?

Even though the amnesty program is no longer available, you can still take steps to understand your current immigration status and avoid further legal issues. The first step is to verify your visa or residency record using official government portals. If your visa was issued in Dubai, use the GDRFA website.

For all other Emirates, access the ICP portal. These platforms allow you to:

Check visa expiry dates
View overstay fines
Identify any pending legal or immigration violations
Download official visa records

You will need your passport number or Emirates ID to log in. If the system shows that your visa has expired, you are considered an overstayer and must act accordingly.

If you’re unsure how to interpret your status, or if your case involves absconding or lost documents, it’s highly recommended to consult a certified immigration consultant or legal advisor who can assist you with the appropriate legal pathway.

Where Should You Go to Resolve Overstay or Visa Issues in the UAE?

Although no amnesty centers are operating in 2025, individuals with expired visas or immigration concerns must visit official government centers to handle their cases legally.

Amer Centers (Dubai)

If your visa was issued in Dubai, you must visit an Amer Center, which operates under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Amer centers provide services such as visa cancellations, overstay fine payments, and assistance with exit permits.

ICP Typing Centers (Other Emirates)

In Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates, you should go to an ICP-authorized typing center or an immigration office. These centers are supervised by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and help you:

Pay fines
Apply for visa cancellation or renewal
Initiate legal exit requests

Finding the Right Location

To avoid wasting time, use the ICP or GDRFA websites to find the closest authorized center. It’s important to arrive early with all required documents, as processing queues may vary.

What Documents Do You Need to Resolve Visa Issues?

Whether you are paying fines, applying for a new visa, or planning to exit the country, having the correct documents is crucial. Although amnesty is no longer available, the required paperwork for processing your case remains largely the same.

You should carry:

Original passport (mandatory)
Copy of your expired visa or Emirates ID
One passport-sized photo with a white background
Flight ticket if you’re planning to leave the country

Additional documents may include:

A sponsor’s letter (if previously employed on a work visa)
An emergency certificate from your embassy (if your passport is lost)
Medical or police reports (if legal exceptions are being requested)

Make multiple copies of all documents, as immigration centers may require them for processing or retention.

How Do You Legally Resolve Your Overstay Without Amnesty in 2025?

The absence of an amnesty program doesn’t leave you without options. Here’s how you can proceed if you have overstayed your visa in the UAE:

Step-by-Step Guide:

First, verify your overstay fines using the ICP or GDRFA portals. Once confirmed, visit an Amer or ICP typing center to start the exit process or explore regularization options.

If you’re exiting:

Request an exit permit
Pay the overstay fines (AED 50 per day, plus any service fees)
Present a valid flight ticket
Leave the UAE within the time given on your permit

If you want to stay:

Apply for a new visa through a sponsor or employer
Submit all required documents and pay outstanding fines
Await approval from immigration authorities before continuing your stay

All steps must be completed within the legal timeframe, or you risk further penalties and possible deportation.

What Happens After You Initiate the Legal Process?

Once you submit your documents and pay any required fines, your case enters the review stage. Immigration officials verify your documents, visa history, and payment records. If you’re exiting, you’ll be granted an exit permit valid for a limited time. Make sure you leave within that period to avoid further fines or entry bans.

If you’re applying for a new visa, immigration officers will assess whether you qualify based on your previous visa status, fines paid, and documentation. If approved, you can legally remain in the UAE under your new visa.

Always follow up with the center where you applied and keep all receipts and confirmation messages for your records.

What Are Your Options Without Amnesty in 2025?

Although the amnesty program is no longer available, you still have two main options if you’re staying in the UAE with an expired visa:

You can pay fines and legally exit the country. This process involves settling all dues, obtaining an exit permit, and departing within the allowed timeframe. Exiting voluntarily may help preserve your chance of returning to the UAE legally in the future.

Alternatively, you can regularize your residency by securing a new visa. This is possible if you find a new employer, sponsor, or qualify for a freelance, investor, or family visa.

Your decision should be based on your personal circumstances and legal eligibility. If uncertain, consult an immigration professional to avoid mistakes.

How Long Are Exit Permits Valid in 2025?

Exit permits issued in 2025 are typically valid for seven to fourteen days, depending on your situation and the emirate processing your request. Once issued, the permit grants you legal permission to leave the country without further delay.

You must ensure that:

Your departure flight falls within the permit’s validity window
You have paid all required overstay fines before exiting
You carry printed copies of your permit and payment receipts

Failure to exit within the given timeframe will result in renewed fines and may cancel the benefits of any legal arrangements you’ve made. Always confirm the validity date printed on your permit before booking travel.

What Are the Key Consequences of Overstaying in 2025?

In the absence of an amnesty program, the consequences of overstaying in the UAE are strict and enforced daily. Fines accumulate at AED 50 per day and must be paid before exiting or applying for a new visa.

Beyond financial penalties, you may face:

Travel bans for repeat violations
Deportation orders
Difficulties returning to the UAE or other GCC countries
Penalties for your employer if they continue your employment illegally

To avoid further legal complications, it’s essential to act promptly and resolve your case through official channels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Resolving Visa Issues

When dealing with an expired visa or an overstay case, many individuals make errors that can worsen their situation.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

Delaying action and letting fines accumulate unnecessarily
Visiting unlicensed or unofficial agents who provide incorrect guidance
Submitting incomplete documentation, which leads to rejection or repeat visits
Failing to follow up after submitting an application

To avoid these problems, always use official ICP or GDRFA channels and get advice from licensed professionals. Keeping organized documentation and following instructions can save you time, money, and legal trouble.

Should You Consult a Legal Advisor for Overstay Cases?

Yes, especially in complex cases, legal assistance can be extremely valuable. A certified immigration lawyer or consultant can help you understand the best legal route for your situation, whether it’s regularizing your visa, appealing fines, or preparing for voluntary exit.

They can also:

Identify eligibility for visa categories you may not be aware of
Help resolve absconding cases
Communicate with immigration on your behalf

While you can manage simple cases on your own, professional guidance ensures you don’t overlook crucial steps or violate laws unknowingly.

UAE Visa Status Resolution: Process Overview Table

Step	Action Required	Where to Go	Additional Notes
Step 1	Check visa status and fines	ICP or GDRFA portal	Requires a passport/Emirates ID
Step 2	Visit the immigration center	Amer (Dubai) or ICP (other Emirates)	Early visits recommended
Step 3	Submit documents and pay fines	On-site at the center	Keep receipts and copies
Step 4	Choose the resolution path	Exit or new visa application	Based on eligibility
Step 5	Exit or continue to stay legally	Follow permit deadlines	Exit permits are time-sensitive

Conclusion

Although the UAE amnesty program ended in 2024, individuals with expired visas or irregular residency in 2025 must still take their situation seriously. Overstaying now leads to accumulating fines and legal enforcement.

Fortunately, the UAE still allows residents and visitors to settle fines and either regularize their stay or exit the country through legal channels. The most important step is checking your visa status and acting quickly.

Whether you plan to stay in the UAE or leave, following the correct procedures will protect your immigration record and help you avoid long-term consequences. Take action today to ensure you’re on the right legal path forward.