UAE Visa Amnesty Gives Filipino in Dubai 'Second Chance at Life

When the UAE recently announced its visa amnesty program, a Filipino resident in Dubai found a glimmer of hope after enduring four years of living illegally in the Emirates. Known only by his initials, JB, this former businessman was overwhelmed with relief upon hearing the news, as it represented a long-awaited miracle for him and his family.

JB, who had been grappling with over Dh100,000 in overstay fines since his visa expired in 2020, is now set to apply for a change in residency status starting September 1. The amnesty program, which runs for two months, allows individuals with expired visas to either rectify their status or leave the country without incurring additional fines.

For JB, the amnesty comes at a pivotal moment. Having recently secured a new job, he plans to use the amnesty to regularize his status in the UAE. “It’s a significant relief for me and my family—it’s truly our second chance at life,” JB told The National. “My overstay fines had accumulated to more than Dh100,000, and I had lost hope of ever resolving this.”

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected JB's business, which led to its closure in 2020. His visa expired along with the closure, complicating the residency status of his daughter, who was under his sponsorship. While his wife was able to secure an employment visa, the family faced increasing difficulties.

JB’s financial struggles were compounded by legal issues. Unable to pay the rent for their Sharjah apartment, the family moved into a shared room with another household. JB faced legal action for unpaid rent and was briefly jailed in 2021, an experience he described as one of the darkest periods of his life.

“The experience of being jailed was incredibly disheartening. I never imagined I would end up in such a situation,” JB recounted. “But the people I met there were in similar predicaments, and it changed my perception of the world.”

Despite these hardships, JB and his family received crucial support during the pandemic. They were provided with free medical care when they contracted COVID-19, an act of kindness he deeply appreciates. “The government’s support during our illness was a humanitarian gesture I will never forget. We received treatment and medication without any charges,” he said.

Over the past few years, the family relied on his wife’s salary and JB’s work in photography, which brought in between Dh15,000 and Dh20,000 annually. JB also ensured that their daughter continued her education through remote learning, despite their difficult circumstances.

With the visa amnesty, JB now has the opportunity to rectify his status and move forward. He has recently obtained employment at a school that values his photography skills and has offered him an advance to settle his outstanding rent issues. “The school’s support has been instrumental in giving us a fresh start,” he noted.

His wife emphasized the role of faith in helping them navigate these challenging times. “The amnesty is a new beginning for us and others in similar situations. It provides hope for a brighter future,” she said.

JB plans to visit the Amer service center on September 1 to take advantage of the amnesty. He hopes to eventually travel to the Philippines for the first time since moving to the UAE 11 years ago.

“I’m sharing my story to inspire others who may be in a similar situation,” JB said. “Despite losing faith along the way, my wife’s support helped me keep going. Now, I’m eager to clear my fines and start the process for a new visa

Aug. 30, 2024 3:58 p.m. 570

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