40,000 'illegal' Indian residents to return home from UAE under 'amnesty' scheme

Around 40,000 Indians are set to accept the amnesty announced by the UAE government for illegal residents to return to their homelands without paying fines.

The Ministry of Interior on announced the general pardon for illegal residents to leave without paying penalties over a two-month period starting December 4.

The amnesty applies only to those who have entered the country legally, but overstayed.

K. Kumar, Convenor of the Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC) under the Indian Consulate, told XPRESS that committee has welcomed the move by the UAE government.

"This is a very welcome move and we urge community members to make use of the golden opportunity," he said.

According to Gulf News, Kumar said there are nearly 40,000 Indians who are stuck in the country and can apply for the amnesty.

"ICWC is working with the Indian Consulate to set up special centres to facilitate applicants who must lose no time in making their applications," he added.

The Ministry of Interior has said this would be the last chance for illegals to leave the country without punishment.

It has categorically ruled out any extension of the two-month pardon, the report said.

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