The UAE Government will be implementing their Amnesty program beginning August 1. The good news arrives for Filipinos who have not been fortunate enough to find work and overstayed or left their employers due to unforeseen circumstances as the amnesty will cover both those who have overstayed and those with an absconding case.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) is spearheading an amnesty program called “Protect Yourself by Modifying your Status” initiative which is part of the UAE Cabinet’s decision that provides a 3-month grace period for illegal residents to change their visa status.
Similar amnesty programs had been implemented by the UAE government before in 2007 and 2012-2013. Through the program, Filipinos now have an option to leave the country without jail terms, outstanding fines and ban stamps. This year, the UAE adds another option which is to allow foreigners to stay in the UAE for up to six months after modifying their visa status.
In a report from 999 Magazine, Philippine Embassy Chargé d’affairés Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil advised Filipinos to take advantage of the opportunity to clear their visa status: “Those working part-time who have overstayed their visas would be wise to come forward now to legalize their stay in the UAE and then eventually look for appropriate employment.”
Who qualifies for amnesty?
Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes explained in an exclusive interview that the amnesty is only for those who have overstaying and absconding cases. “Those with bank loan cases, or loan issues, or police cases such as theft, rape, drugs, or anybody whose already inside jail are not covered by the amnesty program. Even immorality cases are a little different,” explains ConGen Cortes.
There are two main categories for those who will be qualified for the amnesty:
Overstaying Filipinos. These are Filipinos who have overstayed for more than 30-90 days, depending on their visa as well as Filipinos whose visas were cancelled by their previous employer but weren’t able to find new employment within 30 days.
Filipinos with an absconding case. Filipinos who have a legal case of Absconding from their previous employer as well as Filipinos whose passports were never returned by their previous employer.
Preparing for the amnesty program
Consul General Cortes furthers that the Consulate and the Philippine Embassy are planning several steps to make sure that all Filipinos who will approach the consulate or the embassy about the amnesty program will be properly assisted. “We opt to wait for the final procedures as given by authorities. But definitely there will be a WhatsApp hotline exclusive for Amnesty, we will be a helpdesk in the consulate, and we have an augmentation team from the Philippines both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to assist our already loaded Assistance to Nationals staff who will go not only to Dubai, but also the other emirates in the region. Iikutin lahat yan,” explains Cortes.
Payment requirements
For those who already have their passports ready, there will be a payment of Dh 500 for those with absconding cases, and a payment of Dh 220 for overstaying cases, or both if and when applicable. “If and when they wish to go back home to the Philippines, that’s where the Consulate steps in, we will pay for their repatriation – they don’t have to purchase their own tickets. It’s their choice whether they wish to do it themselves. But most of those who seek the consulate’s assistance obvsioualy need financial assistance and that’s why we’re going to pay for it,” explains Cortes.
In a report from FAIC’s official website, Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashdi, Acting Director-General of Foreigners Affairs and Ports Department at FAIC called on all violators, sponsors and members of the public to benefit from the specified grace period and the facilitations provided by the wise leadership through the initiative, which is different from previous initiatives as it will allow those residing in the country illegally to work, without them having to leave and return again.
ConGen Cortes advises Filipinos who are planning to avail of the amnesty to approach the consulate to make sure that they can get home safely: “We assure the public as well that the consulate and the embassy are committed to assist in the most effective and efficient way possible to allow our Kabayans to avail of the program and we do encourage them to keep abreast of official information from the UAE authorities and/or the Philippine consulate and embassy officials as well. It’s important that everybody should know who may avail of the amnesty program and we do hope everybody heeds the call of the UAE government to legalize their status or the UAE’s call to allow them to return to their home countries.”
Amnesty benefits as per UAE Authorities
Expats who avail of the UAE’s amnesty program will be granted the following benefits:
– Exemption from fines
– Allowed to leave the country without a ban stamp with a capability to return after departure
– Modify their visa status within the UAE
– Those who choose to stay may also take advantage and seek job employment by registering at a web portal available at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
– Those who choose to stay can also to reapply for a new temporary visa that could last up to six months.
