UAE Visa Amnesty program begins: Indian Consulate in Dubai issues advisory

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government's two-month visa amnesty program began on September 1 and will give an opportunity for individuals residing illegally in the country to either regularise their residency status or leave without incurring penalties.

The Consulate General of India (CGI) has issued an advisory for those who wish to avail of the newly launched program. The CGI in a statement said:

1. Applicants who desire to return to India may apply for Emergency Certificate (EC). Applicants who desire to regularize their residency status may apply for short validity passport.


2. Applicants can request for EC at the Consulate on Gratis basis (free of charge). Facilitation counters will be set up at Consulate General of India, Dubai and Awir Immigration Centre, Dubai. The Facilitation Counter in Consulate will be functional from 02 September 2024 from 0800hrs to 1800hrs.

3. Applicants can collect the ECs from Consulate General of India, Dubai between 1400 hours to 1600 hours on the next day after their submission of application.

4. Applicants can approach any of the BLS centers in Dubai and Northern Emirates as walk-ins to apply for Short Validity Passports. No prior appointment is required. The details of BLS Centres is available here: https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/page/passport-services/

4. Applicants can approach any of the BLS centers in Dubai and Northern Emirates as walk-ins to apply for Short Validity Passports. No prior appointment is required. The details of BLS Centres is available here: https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/page/passport-services/

5. BLS Centers in Dubai and Northern Emirates will remain operational on all Sundays from 0900-1700 hours during the amnesty period to service the requirement of applicants who wish to avail the benefit of Amnesty scheme.

For any information regarding the procedures for the issue of travel document, applicant may contact mobile no. 050- 9433111 between 0800 hours to 1800 hours. They may also contact PBSK Helpline at 800-46342 (24/7). The contact points in Indian Community Associations may also be reached for guidance. Details of contact points in these Associations is at Annexure-A.

Details of contact points in these associations:

• Indian Social Club, Fujairah: Hashim - 050-3901330.
• Indian Relief Committee, RAas Al Khaimah: Padmaraj - 056-1464275.
• Indian Association, Ajman: Roop Sidhu - 050-6330466.
• Indian Association, Sharjah: Hari - 050-7866591/06-5610845.
• Indian Association, Umm Al Quwain: Sajad Nattika - 050 5761505.
• Indian Social Club, Khorfakkan: Binoy Philip - 055-3894101.
• Indian Social Cultural Centre, Kalba: Zainuddin - 050-6708008.