Dubai, UAE – The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has announced a temporary suspension of visa amnesty services during the upcoming National Day holidays while urging residents with pending visa violations to regularize their status before the year-end deadline.
The GDRFA revealed on Friday that visa-related operations will pause for a four-day break starting Saturday, with services scheduled to resume on Wednesday, December 4. However, emergency services will continue to operate 24/7 at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3.
This pause comes amid an extended national visa amnesty program, which was prolonged by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security last month. The scheme, originally set to conclude on October 31, now offers residents until December 31 to resolve their visa status without incurring significant penalties.
Key Details of the Visa Amnesty Program
- Original Start Date: September 1, 2024
- Extended Deadline: December 31, 2024
- Service Interruption: Four-day break during National Day holiday
- Emergency Services: Continuously available at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
Since its inception, thousands of residents have utilized the amnesty program to rectify their visa situations, with government authorities waiving substantial fines for overstayers. The extension provides a critical opportunity for expatriates to legally address their residency status.
Residents with pending visa violations are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this program before the December 31 deadline to avoid potential legal complications.
Note: For the most up-to-date information, individuals should directly contact GDRFA or visit their official channels.
