The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has announced that individuals violating residency laws in the UAE have only one day left to regularize their status or leave the country without incurring fines.

The deadline for this status correction is Tuesday, December 31.

Initially set from September 1 to October 31, the grace period for amnesty seekers was extended for an additional two months, marking this as the final chance for violators to amend their residency status.

After the extension ends, penalties for violations will be reinstated starting January 1, 2025, and rigorous inspection campaigns will be conducted to enforce legal actions against violators.

The ICP emphasized that this extension allows violators to settle their status without facing fines or re-entry bans.

Data revealed that during the first week of the amnesty, 88% of applicants chose to remain and work in the UAE, while 12% opted to leave.

The categories eligible for amnesty include:

1. Visa Violators: Individuals who have overstayed their visas.

2. Residency Violators: Those with expired residency permits.

3. Individuals with Administrative Violations: Workers who absconded from their employers.

4. Foreign-Born Newborns: Infants whose residency status has not been regularized within four months of birth.

The ICP has urged violators to take advantage of this grace period by submitting applications through its online platforms or authorized typing centers.

Starting January 1, 2025, enforcement of residency laws will resume, and fines will be imposed on those who fail to rectify their status.

Many violators have benefitted from job opportunities during this period, allowing them to obtain work contracts and legal residency in the UAE.

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The authority confirmed that no further extensions for status correction will be granted, and extensive inspection efforts will begin in the new year to apprehend individuals who have not complied with the regulations.