UAE Intensifies Crackdown on Visa Overstayers After 2024 Amnesty

UAE Intensifies Crackdown on Visa Overstayers After 2024 Amnesty
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The United Arab Emirates has significantly escalated its enforcement measures against individuals who failed to regularize their status during the 2024 visa amnesty program, which concluded on December 31, 2024, The Times of India reported. Thousands of overstayers are now facing deportation and blacklisting, rendering them ineligible for future entry into the country.

The amnesty initiative, initially launched on September 1, 2024, and extended by two months due to overwhelming demand, provided undocumented residents a crucial opportunity to either legalize their residency or depart the UAE without incurring penalties. Despite these provisions, a substantial number of individuals did not take advantage of the grace period.

In the first six months of 2025 alone, over 32,000 individuals were apprehended for residency violations, with approximately 70% already deported. Those caught are now subject to immediate fines, blacklisting, and forced removal from the country. Authorities have reiterated that the amnesty was a one-time opportunity and full penalties for immigration violations have been reinstated.

The intensified enforcement has also brought to light social challenges, particularly concerning undocumented domestic workers. The government is urging the public to engage only with licensed agencies to prevent individuals from falling into precarious and illegal situations. The UAE government remains steadfast in its commitment to strictly uphold immigration laws and penalize violators, signaling an end to any previous leniency.