As the UAE visa amnesty program officially ended in December 2024, thousands of Ugandans without valid documentation in the country face a dire situation. The program, which was initially introduced to help undocumented residents resolve their legal status or exit the UAE without incurring fines or facing penalties, has left many stranded after its expiration.
Foreign policy expert Barack Abdul Nasser highlighted the significance of the program, noting that it provided a rare chance for individuals to either regularize their stay or return to their home countries without legal consequences. However, reports indicate that over 2,000 individuals have overstayed their visas in Dubai alone, leading to a significant backlog in visa processing and stricter measures on new applications.
The Ugandan Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun Davina, has urged undocumented Ugandans to take immediate steps to address their situation. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, she stressed the importance of utilizing opportunities provided by the UAE authorities before the amnesty expired.
“The amnesty period was a critical opportunity for Ugandans to resolve their immigration issues and return home safely. We urge our citizens to take any chance available to address their status,” Anyakun stated.
In parallel efforts, the Ministry of Labour has been actively working to repatriate Ugandan workers from Saudi Arabia, where similar challenges have arisen. So far, 146 individuals, including 54 women, have been successfully brought back to Uganda. This initiative follows agreements made during a high-level meeting in Riyadh in October, during which Saudi authorities agreed to release Ugandans detained in deportation centers and prisons.
The government, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is now focusing on reintegrating returnees. Counseling, rehabilitation, and other support services are being offered to help individuals rebuild their lives after returning home.
Meanwhile, the ongoing visa crisis in the UAE underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges faced by migrant workers abroad. Ugandan authorities are now calling for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and dignity of their citizens working in foreign countries.