The UAE, a major hub for migrant labourers, on Tuesday extended an amnesty for workers who entered the country without a visa or overstayed their work permit.
The amnesty period has officially been extended for one more month in the country, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced.
The current three-month long amnesty period, which started from August 1, was due to end on Wednesday but will now continue until December 1.
Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al-Rashdi, director general of Foreign Affairs and Executives at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said the move comes as centres continue to see “heavy demand” by people wishing to take advantage of the amnesty.
The government previously said those who entered the UAE illegally or overstayed their visas and who come forward before the deadline will not be fined or charged if they choose to leave the country voluntarily.
The amnesty also grants those looking for employment a six-month visa to find a job. It excludes, however, those who are “blacklisted” or with legal cases pending.
The UAE, the fourth largest oil producer in the OPEC oil cartel, is home to a huge workforce from Asia and Africa.
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