The passport validity criteria for the UAE’s visa amnesty program has been lowered from six months to one month, according to a Tuesday announcement by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
The director-general of the ICP, Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, announced that, in contrast to the previous requirement, violators can now correct their status without having to renew their passports if their validity is less than six months.
With this change, infringers will be able to avoid going through the drawn-out procedure of renewing their passports through national embassies.
Al Khaili stressed that the amnesty program, which is in effect for two months until October 31st, is being encouraged by the recent decision to apply for visa violations.
