Dubai: The Indian Consulate in Dubai successfully supported more than 15,000 Indian nationals who took advantage of the UAE's four-month visa amnesty, which concluded on January 1, 2025. This initiative, launched on September 1, 2024, aimed to help residents who were violating UAE's residency laws regularize their status or leave the country without facing penalties.

Throughout the amnesty period, the Consulate issued 2,117 passports, 3,589 emergency certificates (outpasses), and facilitated over 3,700 exit permits. The support services also included assisting individuals with lost passport reports, labor cancellations, and immigration-related issues. Community organizations, including volunteers from the Aim India Forum (AIF), played an essential role in the success of the program.

The Indian mission operated at two main centers—the Consulate in Dubai and the Al Awir Amnesty Center—where they provided free assistance to Indian citizens. The services were designed to support those who either wanted to regularize their residency status or travel back to India. Individuals who did not have valid passports were issued short-validity passports, while those who chose to exit the UAE received necessary exit documents.

The consulate expressed sincere thanks to the UAE government for its cooperation throughout the initiative. It also praised the volunteers who contributed to the smooth running of the program. As the program ended, the Consulate reiterated its commitment to supporting the Indian community and reminded citizens to comply with the UAE’s entry, work, and residency regulations.

In total, the UAE’s four-month visa amnesty benefitted 236,000 residency violators, with many opting to either regularize their status or leave the country without facing fines or bans. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) reported that the program provided significant relief for both foreign workers and their families.

The Indian Consulate's efforts have highlighted the strong collaboration between the UAE government, the Indian diplomatic mission, and community organizations in providing much-needed support to expatriates facing challenges with their legal status.

The consulate expresses its sincere thanks to the UAE Government for its strong support as this operation comes to a close. It also appreciates the hard work of the volunteers from diaspora organizations who were crucial in making this initiative a success.

The consulate encourages Indian citizens to continue following the rules set by local authorities regarding entry, work, and residency in the UAE. It remains dedicated to helping the Indian community and ensuring all citizens have access to the services they need.