Jobseekers applying for the UAE's visa amnesty campaign have been urged to obtain an exit pass to leave the country to ensure they have a safety net in place should they fail to find work before the end of the year. The message was sent out by a senior official from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai as authorities aim to prevent a holiday-season rush at amnesty centres when the scheme draws to a close on December 31.
The exit pass – in place to allow visa overstayers to leave the country without incurring fines – was previously valid for only 14 days but was later extended until the end of the amnesty scheme. The residency visa amnesty began on September 1 and was due to end on October 31, before being extended by a further two months to allow as many people as possible with expired documentation to secure their status or leave the country without being fined.
Col Abdullah Atiq, Deputy Assistant Director of Investigation Affairs at the GDRFA, said the exit pass can be cancelled in the event of the applicant gaining employment. “Getting an exit pass is a solution for overstayers who want to stay until the end of the amnesty campaign. The pass is automatically cancelled if they secure a job and come to change their status,” Col Atiq said.
“People can get an exit pass and search for a job without anxiety. Overstayers can travel freely with the exit pass if they can't get a job.” Anyone who uses an exit pass can later re-enter the country if they find a job and will not face a travel ban.
“It is important for overstayers to come now to avoid the rush," said Col Atiq. "Don’t wait as it will be the last chance to change your status." He said inspection campaigns to catch those remaining in the Emirates with lapsed documentation will be launched immediately following the amnesty grace period.
The official also warned that those delaying their exit strategy are likely to count the cost of increased airfares during the busy holiday season. “Having an exit pass and leaving now is easier and cheaper. In December airline ticket prices surge due to holidays.”
Col Atiq said the UAE government extended the amnesty deadline due to the huge demand for support. “It is a great opportunity but be careful as by the end of amnesty the fines will be back in the system,” he said.
Amnesty drives – in numbers
Previous amnesties held in 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2018 led hundreds of thousands of people to come forward for help. More than 105,000 people benefitted from the UAE’s five-month visa amnesty programme in 2018, official figures showed.
There were 30,387 people who received exit permits after fines were waived, while 6,288 people received new residency visas and 18,530 people renewed their visas. Another 35,549 permits were also issued for job seekers while 13,843 people changed their status from illegal to legal.
In 2013, about 61,826 people took advantage of a two- month amnesty campaign. About 278,715 people benefited from the five-month-long initiative held in 2007, while 300,000 received assistance in 2003.
Where to apply for the amnesty
There are locations throughout the Emirates where an application for amnesty can be processed. In Abu Dhabi, people can apply at ICP centres in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam and Al Shahamah and private typing centres that are recognised by the ICP.
Typing centres typically perform administrative services, including application submissions. In Dubai, amnesty services will be provided at its Amer service centres, and the centre for immigration violators in Al Awir. Amnesty applications can be made at ICP centres throughout the rest of the Emirates.
Why is there a need for a visa amnesty?
Such amnesties provide a reprieve for those without valid documentation who could be reluctant to come forward due to concerns about possible fines or jail sentences. This allows the government to ensure people are living in the Emirates legally, an important consideration against the backdrop of a population boom.
It is also a chance for many to grasp the chance of a new start – whether in the UAE or back in their home country. Most residents living or working in the UAE would usually have a two or three-year visa.
Watch: UAE visa amnesty deadline extended to December 31
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
How to get exposure to gold
Although you can buy gold easily on the Dubai markets, the problem with buying physical bars, coins or jewellery is that you then have storage, security and insurance issues.
A far easier option is to invest in a low-cost exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the precious metal instead, for example, ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) and iShares Physical Gold (SGLN) both track physical gold. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF invests directly in mining companies.
Alternatively, BlackRock Gold & General seeks to achieve long-term capital growth primarily through an actively managed portfolio of gold mining, commodity and precious-metal related shares. Its largest portfolio holdings include gold miners Newcrest Mining, Barrick Gold Corp, Agnico Eagle Mines and the NewMont Goldcorp.
Brave investors could take on the added risk of buying individual gold mining stocks, many of which have performed wonderfully well lately.
London-listed Centamin is up more than 70 per cent in just three months, although in a sign of its volatility, it is down 5 per cent on two years ago. Trans-Siberian Gold, listed on London's alternative investment market (AIM) for small stocks, has seen its share price almost quadruple from 34p to 124p over the same period, but do not assume this kind of runaway growth can continue for long
However, buying individual equities like these is highly risky, as their share prices can crash just as quickly, which isn't what what you want from a supposedly safe haven.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
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Price: Dh136,814
The Details
Article 15
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Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
