How Indian expats can avail UAE's amnesty scheme
The United Arab Emirates Government has initiated a two-month amnesty scheme, effective from September 1, 2024, to support expatriates, including Indian nationals, in either returning to their home countries or regularizing their residency status.
In response, the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi have implemented several measures to assist Indian citizens during this period.
To facilitate Indian nationals living in Dubai and Northern Emirates, the Consulate General of India is offering the following services:
* Emergency Certificate (EC) applications for those wishing to return to India
* Short validity passport applications for those seeking to regularize their residency status
* Gratis (free of charge) EC applications at the Consulate
* Facilitation counters at the Consulate General of India, Dubai, and Awir Immigration Centre, Dubai
* Extended operating hours for the Facilitation Counter from September 2, 2024, from 0800hrs to 1800hrs
* Collection of ECs at the Consulate General of India, Dubai, between 1400 hours to 1600 hours on the next day after application submission
* Walk-in applications for Short Validity Passports at BLS centers in Dubai and Northern Emirates without prior appointment
* Operational BLS Centers on Sundays from 0900-1700 hours during the amnesty period
* Dedicated mobile number (050-9433111) and PBSK Helpline (800-46342) for inquiries and assistance
* Guidance available through Indian Community Associations (contact points listed in Annexure-A)