Introduction
Thousands of people attempting to legalize their stay in the UAE under a two-month visa amnesty, which started on Sunday, now have a chance to find employment as they do so. At Dubai’s Al Awir center, private companies were present on the first day of the amnesty, offering jobs and helping with employment visas.
Support from Authorities
Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, explained that private sector companies were invited to set up booths at the amnesty center to interview people for jobs.
“We invited more than 15 companies to interview people for jobs. We will work nonstop for two months until we solve their problems,” he said. Many individuals were brought to the UAE under false promises of employment, he added.
A Commitment to Help
Lt Gen Al Marri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to helping those in need:
“We want to be close to these people to solve their overstay problems. I know their problem started when they left their countries with a promise to get a job by fake recruiters. They can’t go back home empty-handed after promising their families a better life. We must stand with them and support them. This is the UAE, a country that will take care of them.”
New Beginnings
Hamza Gul, a 25-year-old from Pakistan, was the first person to have his overstay fines waived and receive a job offer on Sunday.
A Fresh Start with Transguard Group
Mr. Gul will now work as a cleaner for the Transguard Group. Shahid Mahmmud, a recruiter for Transguard, shared that Mr. Gul had lost his previous job and faced financial difficulties.
“After a quick interview, we offered him a job. We have taken him to our camp and will soon give him his offer letter and begin processing his visa,” Mr. Mahmmud said.
Mr. Gul, who came to Dubai a year ago, originally planned to return to Pakistan after having his fines waived. However, the amnesty program allowed him to stay and work legally in the UAE.
Opportunities for All
Transguard Group Offers 15,000 Jobs
Mr. Mahmmud mentioned that Transguard is offering nearly 15,000 jobs and welcomes anyone applying at the amnesty center.
“We have skilled vacancies in construction, facility management, and other jobs. We are here to support the initiative,” he said.
Hotpack and Azizi Group Also Participating
Other companies, such as Hotpack and Azizi Group, are also participating in the amnesty initiative.
Mujeeb Rahman, deputy general manager at Hotpack, said they are looking to recruit both skilled and non-skilled workers.
“We have many projects and want to support the laborers who stayed illegally or have visa problems,” he said.
Adham Hilal, project manager at Azizi Group, added that they have more than 5,000 jobs available in the construction sector, including positions for carpenters, plumbers, and electricians.
“We are here to offer them a job. We are here to help,” Mr. Hilal said.
Future Hopes
Hopes for a Better Future
For some, like 28-year-old Noor Musalam from Egypt, the amnesty has provided a way out of a difficult situation.
Mr. Musalam, who came to the UAE in February on a one-month visit visa, struggled to find employment and accumulated fines of over Dh6,000. On Sunday, he was among the first to receive an exit permit and plans to return to Egypt. However, he hopes to return to the UAE for work soon.
“I have already applied to a company here at the Al Awir center. I will go back now and hope they call me with a job offer,” he said.
Conclusion
The UAE’s visa amnesty is providing a new start for many, offering not just legal status but also the hope of a better future through employment opportunities.
