This literally means the people who had been accorded only 14 days to exit the United Arab Emirates after amnesty was granted are going to be accorded more time. Lt-Gen Salem Bin Ali, the head of the client happiness department, verified the extension and added that it is the goal of the UAE government to give more flexibility to the overstayers while they plan for their exit.

Lt-Gen Bin Ali said the old rules mandated that beneficiaries of the visa amnesty had to leave the country within 14 days from the time they were issued the exit pass. The extension of the period of grace allows the amnesty-seekers to remain in the country until the end of the amnesty scheme on October 31, the extension was to give overstayers enough time to make their travel arrangements without the pressure of a shorter deadline.

The exit passes issued to the amnesty applicants will reflect the extended deadline, These new grace periods will enable them to leave the UAE at any point of this extended period, therefore allowing them more time to organize their departure, But immediately after the announcement of this extension, Lt-Gen Bin Ali pleaded with the amnesty seekers not to delay their exit.

The envoy has called upon them to leave the country as soon as possible to avoid the problems that might not be able to handle later on. One of the major issues raised is the increasing airfare prices during the peak winter traveling season. Flying at the last minute will be more costly as the flight rates are increased, hence imposing additional problems on those who are already in an insecure situation. Lt-Gen Bin Ali warned that the prices of flights are likely to go higher in the winter season and procrastination until the end of the month of October might see the country leavers find travel arrangements more costly.

The UAE Government's decision now supports the overstaying individuals with a structural way to quit the country without penalties and legal consequences. The Amnesty Program provides a lifeline for overstayers to regularize their status and leave the country legally. At the same time, it is also aware of the possible turmoil if substantial numbers of such people were to wait until the last days of the amnesty period in order to make plans for their departure.

Although the extension of the 'grace period' does give more time to overstayers, the tune from UAE authorities is to avail as soon as possible, this is to prevent a mad scramble at the last minute and make sure that all who avail of this amnesty are able to leave the country without any logistical or financial issues.

overstayers in the UAE have been given more room to organize their departure up until the end of October 31st. Previously the grace period for leaving was 14 days, which has since been extended to the end of the amnesty program. Even with an extension, UAE authorities call on overstayers to leave as soon as possible so as not to go through the hassle of escalating air fares during winter seasons so it will be easier for all parties concerned in the process.

UAE Extends Exit Pass Validity to October 31 for Visa Amnesty-Seekers

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