Undocumented expatriates have until today, 31 December 2024, to benefit from the UAE Amnesty Scheme, which commenced in September 2024. Meanwhile, from January 1, 2025, there are expectations that the unannounced visit and work visa bans for Pakistani passport holders will be lifted.
Initially scheduled to end on October 31, 2024, the Amnesty Scheme was extended for two more months to attract more beneficiaries. In the meantime, the UAE has fully closed off all types of visit and work visas for nationals of Pakistan.
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The amnesty scheme has turned out to be a great success since it has enabled well over 236,000 persons living within Dubai to sort out their residence issues.
Very effective was the initiative, as reported by General Lt Mohammed Al Marri during his talk with his audience: 55,200 exit passes have been issued with several thousands of residency renewals and new permits approved.
Many Pakistani nationals wait in eager anticipation for news on the possibility that the visa ban will be lifted and state changes to the policy in the coming year, as the amnesty draws to a close.