This week the spotlight is on immigration developments in the UAE where the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced the amnesty for illegal residents in the United Arab Emirates will last for three months, starting 1 August 2018.

The ‘Protect Yourself by Modifying Your Status’ initiative will allow foreign nationals to regularise their status by either leaving the UAE without paying a fine and without facing a return immigration ban (only those who entered illegally will be subject to a two-year entry ban), or by changing their sponsorship inside the country. Those who decide to leave will be issued an exit permit valid for ten days, whereas those who wish to remain in the UAE will have to provide documents from their new sponsor before a residence visa can be granted. Those without a confirmed job offer will be given a six-month temporary residence status to secure new employment in the UAE under the supervision of the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry. It is not yet clear how the unemployed foreign nationals will be able to fill up the available positions. Nine service centres are established across the country to assist individuals with the application process, in addition to a toll-free number 800-80 for phone inquiries.