UAE Launches Amnesty Program for Ugandans Without Valid Visas
By Amos Ssemuwemba
In a significant move aimed at aiding Ugandans residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without valid visas, the UAE government has introduced an amnesty program that offers a lifeline to those facing immigration issues. Launched on 1st September 2024, the initiative allows individuals to either leave the country without paying fines for overstaying their visas or take steps to legalise their status.
The amnesty, which runs until 31st October 2024, is open to all Ugandans in the UAE, regardless of their visa status. This includes those with expired residency permits, tourist visas, or any other form of expired documentation. The UAE government emphasised that this is a one-time opportunity for Ugandans to resolve their immigration challenges without facing penalties.
Path to Legalisation
Official statistics indicate there are about 100,000 Ugandans living in the UAE and of these, only 25,000 went there legally through licensed recruitment agencies. For Ugandans wishing to stay in the UAE, the program provides a pathway to legalising their status. A valid Ugandan passport is a critical requirement for anyone seeking to regularise their stay. This amnesty allows people to transition from an illegal status to a lawful one, offering peace of mind to many.
Families, in particular, are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. The amnesty program has provisions for Ugandans with children, enabling them to either exit the country without facing fines or secure legal status for their families if they choose to remain.
One notable advantage of the program is that there is no entry ban attached to it. Ugandans who leave the UAE during this period, after fulfilling the necessary requirements, will still be allowed to return, provided they entered the UAE legally in the first place.
Steps to Follow
Ugandans in the UAE are urged to act quickly. To benefit from the amnesty, individuals are advised to visit the nearest immigration centre in their emirate as soon as possible. Immigration centres also have companies offering job opportunities to those with valid passports, potentially opening doors for those looking for work.
For those without valid passports, the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE is providing emergency travel documents. However, the embassy is currently unable to issue new passports, meaning individuals might have to return to Kampala to obtain one.
Urgent Call to Action
Nkunyingi Muwada, Uganda’s Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently met with UAE immigration officials at Al Awir, confirming the amnesty program’s details. In a statement on his X (Twitter) account, he urged Ugandans to act swiftly, stating, “My sincere advice to all Ugandans facing difficulties in the UAE is to take full advantage of this amnesty before it expires.” He warned that after the 31st October deadline, immigration enforcement is expected to intensify, potentially leading to arrests and further complications for those who haven’t regularised their status.
As the amnesty program continues, Ugandans in the UAE are advised to seek assistance, legalise their stay, or prepare for their return home before the deadline.
