The United Arab Emirates has announced a two-month grace to residents and visitors who have violated entry and residency regulations.

The two-month is for them to regularise their visa status.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security , in a statement on Wednesday, violators are to comply with the directive or leave the country to avoid facing the law.

The agency explained that the amnesty programme which will run from September 1 to October 30, 2024, covers a range of visa categories, such as expired residencies and tourist visas, as well as undocumented individuals.

“The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs ,and Port Security has announced a two-month grace period starting September 1, 2024, for violators to regularize their status,” a post on the UAE Media office official X handle read.

The visa amnesty programme however, does not apply to those who entered the country illegally.

Participants found eligible will benefit from waived fines and fees and the option to depart without a travel ban, if they leave within a 14-day period. 

Participants’ family members with expired residencies can also update their status without facing financial or legal punishment.