ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 19th Jun, 2018) The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, FAIC, will launch the "Protect Yourself by Modifying your Status" initiative, as part of a decision by the UAE Cabinet to grant a grace period to those residing in the country illegally so they can settle their status.
Ali Mohammed bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of FAIC, praised the cabinet’s decision, which included reviewing the current residency system, with the aim of helping those who desire to reside in the country and search for work.
He added that the decision will have a positive effect on all aspects of life, including the economy, society and the country’s security, as well as achieve the goals of the UAE Centennial to promote the country’s reputation, support overall investment, reinforce the UAE’s moral value system for future generations, raise the productivity of the national economy, and promote social cohesion, which will achieve the happiness of citizens and residents and improve the UAE’s standard of living.
Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashdi, Acting Director-General of Foreigners Affairs and Ports Department at FAIC, highlighted FAIC’s readiness to begin implementing the decision while adding that it will work diligently around the clock to complete all legal and administrative procedures required by the process.
Brigadier Al Rashdi noted that the grace period will be announced during the next few weeks, to enable those affected to leave the country without paying any fees or fines or change their status while paying nominal fees, as well as to allow those who were able to enter the country at entry points that are not official ports to leave but banning them from entering again for two years.
He also called on all violators, sponsors and members of the public to benefit from the specified grace period and the facilitations provided by the wise leadership through the initiative, which is different from previous initiatives as it will allow those residing in the country illegally to work, without them having to leave and return again.
