The six-month visa issued to overstaying amnesty grantees who wish to look for a new job in the Gulf state becomes invalid once the expat exits the country, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) clarified on Monday, November 12.
Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting director-general for Foreigners Affairs and Ports at FAIC said that the visa, also called as jobseeker visa, is not for multiple entries, unlike sponsored residence visas. Once an expat visa holder exits the country, the visa is no longer effective even if the six-month validity is not yet over.
“The temporary visa only entitles amnesty-seekers to stay in the country for six months, but they cannot leave the country and come back. If they leave, the visa will be canceled automatically,” Al Rashidi said.
After the six-month period, however, an expat who was not able to find a job in the country must immediately exit the UAE or hefty fines will start to apply. If they want to return to the UAE, they must secure a visit visa since the jobseeker visa cannot be renewed.
Under the amnesty program, overstaying expats in the UAE given the opportunity to rectify their immigration status or to return to their home countries.
The program will end on December 1.
