Thousands of Ugandans living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without valid residency documents are in a tight spot as the grace period to regularize their stay ends tomorrow, December 31.
The UAE government had set the month-long deadline from December 1 to December 31 for undocumented immigrants to either legalize their status or leave the country. However, confusion and lack of resources have left many Ugandans stranded.
Official statistics indicate that over 100,000 Ugandans live and work in the UAE, but approximately 25,000 are estimated to lack proper documentation. Many of these individuals entered the country through various means, including recruitment agencies, tourist visas, or independent travel, with some fleeing their designated jobs upon arrival.
Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, the Presidential Advisor on Immigration, has urged affected Ugandans to return home to avoid potential legal repercussions after the deadline. In a statement, he advised those struggling to update their documents to seek assistance from the Ugandan embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai or contact his office for support.
“Returning home is a better option than risking severe penalties after the deadline,” Walusimbi stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Despite the advice, many undocumented Ugandans face challenges in obtaining visas, funding their return journeys, or even acquiring passports. Some individuals report their passports have either expired or gone missing, leaving them in a precarious situation.
As the deadline approaches, the fate of these Ugandans hangs in the balance, with urgent calls for both diplomatic intervention and individual responsibility.