Recognizing the urgency and importance of the amnesty programme, the Pakistan Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have taken proactive measures to accommodate the surge in demand. In an unprecedented move, these diplomatic missions have remained open on four consecutive Saturdays, ensuring that Pakistani nationals can access vital services such as passport renewals and the issuance of ID cards by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). This extension of services reflects the embassy’s dedication to supporting its citizens during this critical period.
The response from the Pakistani community has been overwhelming, with hundreds of people turning up each Saturday to avail themselves of the services. Many of these individuals have been living in the UAE for years, contributing to the economy, but due to various circumstances, have found themselves without valid visas or documents. The amnesty programme offers them a chance to rectify their situation and continue living and working in the UAE legally or to return home with dignity.
Pakistanis form the second-largest foreign community in the UAE, with an estimated population of over 1.7 million. They have made significant contributions to the country’s development in various sectors, including construction, healthcare, education, and technology. The Pakistani community has played a crucial role in the UAE’s economic growth and has enriched its cultural diversity.
Ayesha Khan, a Pakistani resident in Dubai for over a decade, expressed her gratitude for the amnesty programme: “I was so worried about my status. This amnesty has given me a chance to start over and live legally without the fear of being deported. I’m so thankful to the UAE government for this opportunity.”
Muhammed Ali, a Pakistani construction worker in Abu Dhabi, shared his experience: “It was a stressful time for me and my family. We were afraid of being deported and losing our jobs. The amnesty has provided a huge relief, and I’m now able to regularize my visa and continue working in peace.”
The 2024 Visa Amnesty Programme is not just a bureaucratic exercise but a significant humanitarian initiative. Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, head of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), emphasized the broader implications of the programme. “It is a chance for all violators to change their status in the country,” he stated. “The initiative will enhance the country’s position in the human rights sector. We want to support the people who are staying in the country by changing their status to enable them to get their rights and have a safe exit from the country or work and live decently in the UAE.”
This is not the first time the UAE has offered a visa amnesty programme. The last such initiative took place in 2018 and ran from August to December, following a two-month extension. The 2018 amnesty was a resounding success, with over 105,000 people benefiting from the programme. During that period, 30,387 individuals received exit permits after their fines were waived, while 6,288 people secured new residency visas, and 18,530 others renewed their visas. Additionally, 35,549 permits were issued to job seekers, allowing them to remain in the country legally while searching for employment.
Embassies and consulates of various countries, particularly those with large expatriate populations in the UAE, have been urging their citizens to promptly take advantage of the amnesty programme. The Philippine missions in the UAE, for example, have been proactive in spreading awareness about the initiative, recognizing the potential benefits for their nationals.
The UAE government’s efforts to publicize the programme have been commendable, with extensive media coverage and outreach to communities most likely to benefit from the amnesty. However, the success of the programme ultimately depends on the willingness of individuals to come forward and regularize their status. The fear of penalties or deportation has kept many undocumented residents in the shadows for years, but the amnesty programme offers a unique opportunity to resolve their situation without fear of reprisal.
Beyond its immediate impact on undocumented residents, the 2024 Visa Amnesty Programme has broader implications for the UAE’s social and economic landscape. By allowing residents to regularize their status, the programme helps integrate individuals into the formal economy, where they can contribute to the country’s growth and development. It also enhances the UAE’s reputation as a nation that values human rights and adheres to international standards of governance.
For those who choose to leave the UAE, the amnesty provides a dignified exit, free from the stigma and financial burden of fines. Many of these individuals may return to the UAE in the future with proper documentation, contributing once again to the country’s diverse and dynamic population.
Conclusion
The UAE Visa Amnesty Programme 2024 represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex issue of undocumented residents. By offering a pathway to regularization or a dignified exit, the UAE government is demonstrating its commitment to humane governance and the well-being of all who reside within its borders. For those who take advantage of the programme, it offers a chance to start anew, whether in the UAE or in their home countries. As the amnesty period progresses, it is hoped that many more individuals will seize this opportunity to improve their lives and contribute positively to the UAE’s vibrant society.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
