Typing centre agents in the UAE are advising amnesty seekers to ensure they possess all required documents, as numerous applicants are arriving with incomplete paperwork to process their applications. Several typing centres near the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the Al Rahmaniya region are experiencing a significant influx of individuals seeking to take advantage of the amnesty scheme introduced in the UAE on September 1, 2024.
"Indeed, many amnesty applicants are coming for outpass and to legalise their status. However, a significant number of people are presenting incomplete documents. Those aiming to regularise their status must bring visas from the companies offering them jobs," stated a typist in the Tawi Saji’ah area, across from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in Al Rahmaniya. Additionally, officials from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship are also assisting individuals applying for amnesty.
Applicants seeking only an outpass must provide a passport, photo, and a copy of their expired visa. Those who have been offered jobs by companies but have been declared absconders and whose visas were not cancelled must first cancel their existing visa, obtain a new job offer and approval from the labor authority. They can then apply for an outpass and change their status without leaving the country, followed by applying for a new employment visa.
The UAE initiated an amnesty scheme on September 1, 2024, for a duration of two months, providing illegal expats in the country with the chance to legalise their status, which offers numerous benefits including new job opportunities. Numerous amnesty seekers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have lined up outside typing centres to regularise their status. Some sought outpasses, while others, having been offered jobs by companies, wished to legalise their status and continue living and working in the UAE.
Many individuals who approached the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship were directed to visit the typing centre for documentation before proceeding to the authority to finalize the process. Some typing centres lowered their fees to attract and assist more applicants. A few typing centre staff also provided transportation for amnesty seekers in their cars due to the long distance, ensuring they did not have to traverse the highway separating the Al Rahmnia and Tawi Saji’ah areas.
"As it is somewhat distant, we are transporting them across the road. This is beneficial for both parties. It brings us business, and they don’t have to walk such a long distance," he explained. Meanwhile, typing centres on the old immigration road in Sharjah reported receiving numerous inquiries from amnesty seekers for outpasses and those looking to regularise their status.
