Abdul Rehman, a Pakistani citizen who arrived in the UAE on a visit visa approximately 18 months prior, is optimistic about doubling his earnings once his legal status is established in the country. "Presently, I earn between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000 through various odd jobs, but I anticipate that once my status is regularized, I can increase my income to over Dh4,000. This is because I will then have the opportunity to change employers and secure a more advantageous position," Rehman explained. Thanks to the two-month amnesty program initiated by the government on September 1, Rehman has secured employment with a private company. Numerous individuals seeking amnesty, similar to Rehman, are keen to legalize their status and continue their employment in the UAE as part of a lawful workforce.
These overstayers, predominantly from South Asian nations, originally entered the UAE on visit visas and subsequently engaged in odd jobs without legal authorization. The government's amnesty initiative now provides them with the chance to regularize their status, enabling them to access superior job opportunities and explore enhanced prospects. Muhammad Murad, a Bangladeshi resident who has lived in the UAE for about six years without legal status, is thrilled about the possibility of changing his status. A firm in the scrap industry has already extended him a job offer and hired him as a full-time staff member, and he eagerly anticipates joining the country's legal workforce. "Now, I will be part of the regular workforce in the UAE, and I express my gratitude to the UAE for this significant humanitarian act," Murad stated, as he visited the Federal Authority For Identity And Citizenship office in Sharjah to legalize his status. Murad also highlighted that once his status is regularized, he can finally reunite with his family after a prolonged seven-year separation. "I haven't seen my family in 7 years. I am delighted that I will be able to visit my home country and see my family after 7 long years once my status is regularized here in the UAE," Murad shared.
Thousands of individuals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates are taking advantage of the two-month amnesty scheme introduced by the government. Hannanur Rehman, another Bangladeshi national, has been employed at a private parking company since arriving in the UAE on a visit visa 18 months ago. He has resided in the country without legal status since his arrival. Following the amnesty announcement, a construction company in Sharjah has also offered him employment. "This is a commendable move by the government as it will enable many people to become legal residents," Hannanur remarked, expressing gratitude for the government's initiative, noting that numerous individuals like him will now attain legal residency.
