GDRFA Director General Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri affirms the department’s priority to guide overstayers toward regularizing their residency or exiting without legal barriers
DUBAI — Dubai’s immigration authority has reaffirmed its commitment to helping individuals who have fallen into residency and visa violations regularize their legal status or leave the country without facing punitive action.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, stated that the department’s primary approach focuses on guidance, humanitarian support, and providing clear legal pathways rather than immediate penal measures.
Addressing individuals currently living with irregular immigration status, Al Marri emphasized that anyone who approaches the directorate seeking to correct past errors will receive comprehensive administrative support. GDRFA teams work directly with applicants to assess their files, explore options under current UAE residency regulations, and resolve accumulated fines or documentation delays.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader migration governance framework, which combines strict border controls with structured mechanisms for humanitarian relief. Individuals who overstay visit, tourist, or employment visas often face escalating daily fines, absconding reports, or entry bans if their status remains unaddressed. By contacting GDRFA service centers or specialized customer happiness hubs across Dubai, violators can understand their eligibility for fee waivers, exit permits, or status adjustments.
GDRFA Dubai operates dedicated service channels, including the Amer call center and round-the-clock service centers at Al Aweer and other designated locations, where overstayers can discuss their circumstances in confidence. Officials review each case individually, determining whether the applicant can secure a new sponsor, obtain a valid employment visa, or obtain an outpass to return to their home country safely.
Al Marri urged affected residents and visitors not to remain in violation out of fear of legal repercussions. Proactive engagement with immigration authorities allows individuals to access legal remedies, avoid accumulating severe financial penalties, and establish a stable, lawful footing within the country.
