February 29, 2024
Kuwait’s recently rescinded amnesty for some migrant workers on irregular status is the last in a string of controversial policies, prompting the question: will Kuwait ever learn from its mistakes and prioritise the human rights of migrants?
July 27, 2020
March 5, 2018
Kuwait continues to use the amnesty to push irregular workers out of the country, circumventing just resolutions to the problems these migrants face. The majority of workers enter the country legally but are often forced into irregularity due to unfair employment practices.
January 24, 2018
April 4, 2017
October 23, 2016
Oman recently announced an amnesty period that allows migrant workers with irregular status to transfer employment without paying fines. Migrants on non-work-related permits are permitted to leave the country permanently without incurring penalties. The amnesty period is set to end on July 31.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a six-month grace period, starting 11 May 2025, to regularise the status of domestic workers reported as absconding from work.
Qatar has launched a three-month amnesty period starting from 9 February 2025, allowing foreign residents with irregular immigration status to exit the country without penalties. It is not clear if residents would be able to regularise their status. Workers can exit the country through Hamad International Airport, or alternatively, they can visit the Search and Follow-up Department on Salwa Road to complete departure procedures within the specified period.
The UAE's Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security announced that it has extended its amnesty for migrants with irregular immigration status until the end of the year.
The UAE government has launched a two-month amnesty starting from 1 September 2024, allowing non-citizens with irregular immigration status to regularise their status without penalties.
