The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a crucial visa amnesty scheme, offering residents with expired visas a valuable opportunity to legalize their status or return to Pakistan without penalties.
In response, the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have enhanced their services to ensure their nationals fully benefit from this initiative.
Running from September 1 to October 31, 2024, the amnesty, introduced by the UAE government, allows undocumented residents, including tourists and absconders, to regularize their stay or leave the country without facing future travel bans.
Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE have stepped up to support their community, emphasizing their commitment to the UAE’s efforts and urging eligible nationals to take advantage of the amnesty.
To handle the anticipated surge in applications, the missions will remain open on Saturdays until the end of October 2024, offering services such as the renewal and issuance of National Identity Cards (NICs), passport processing, attestation services, and the issuance of out-passes or emergency travel documents for those without valid passports.
This support is particularly vital given the large Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, where around 1.7 million Pakistanis reside, making them the second-largest expatriate community in the country.
The amnesty scheme is expected to provide much-needed relief to those with expired visas, allowing them to resolve their status or return to Pakistan without legal consequences.
The diplomatic missions have reaffirmed their commitment to assisting the Pakistani community throughout this critical period.