ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a new relief measure offering a 30-day grace period and amnesty scheme for foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, facing visa-related issues or irregular residency status.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the government of the UAE has launched the campaign amid regional turmoil and disrupted travel in order to provide an escape route to people having problems due to expired visas or violations of immigration laws.
The campaign, which will continue until July 9 has provided relief to those whose visa expired or were violating the law in any way to either legalize themselves in the country or return to their homeland.
The officials said the amnesty program was a great opportunity for the undocumented residents to regularize their immigration status and not get into any legal trouble in the future.
The advisory asked the Pakistanis residing in the UAE to make maximum use of this grace period and contact the concerned officials to solve their visa problems.
Major update for individuals planning trip to UAE
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, following the easing of tensions in the Middle East after the recently announced US-Iran memorandum of understanding, reportedly facilitated through Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
According to the updated guidance issued by the UK Foreign Office, previous advice against non-essential travel to the UAE has been withdrawn. British citizens can now travel to Dubai and other parts of the UAE under normal travel arrangements.
The revision comes in the wake of the announced understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing regional tensions and promoting stability.
Despite easing its travel restrictions, the UK government has advised British nationals traveling to or residing in the UAE to continue monitoring developments, follow guidance issued by local authorities, and regularly review their travel plans.
Prior to the update, the UK had advised against all but essential travel to the UAE amid heightened tensions across the Middle East.
The revised advisory is being viewed as a positive indicator of improving regional security conditions and growing confidence in the de-escalation efforts undertaken in the region.
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