Latest news with #Citizenship
News24
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
American singer Ciara receives Benin citizenship after tracing ancestral roots
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress Ciara Princess Wilson, mononymously known as Ciara, has taken a significant step in embracing her African heritage by obtaining Beninese citizenship, after tracing her ancestry to the West African country. Read more | WATCH | Ciara reveals her new baby boy On July 26, 2025, a day recognised globally as the United Nations Day for Women and Girls of African Descendent, Ciara received her certificate of citizenship in a symbolic ceremony attended by several Beninese government officials, including the Minister of Justice and Legislation, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the initiative of RollingStone Africa. Ciara's citizenship is part of a broader movement among Black Americans reconnecting with their African heritage, such as Ludacris, the Atlanta-based rapper and actor who obtained Gabonese citizenship in 2020 through his wife, Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, who hails from Gabon. Steve Wonder, the legendary musician, was also granted Ghanaian citizenship in 2021 and many others. Tour agency Explore Benin, which assisted and documented Ciara's trip, posted about her journey to significant locations including Ouidah and Cotonou. Ouidah is home to the historic Slave Route trail and Door of No Return. 'Ciara walks the land of her ancestors for the first time,' the agency posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Explore Benin (@ 'I feel incredibly proud,' said the 39-year-old singer emotionally during her ceremony in a video she posted on her Instagram account. 'The significance of this moment is so special,' she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ciara (@ciara)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa without sponsor: 8-step application guide for investors
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Maintain a deposit of AED 2 million or more in an investment fund licensed within the UAE. Establish a business or hold a partnership in a company with a capital investment of AED 2 million or more. Own a company that pays AED 250,000 or more annually in federal taxes. Be a partner in a business contributing at least AED 250,000 annually in federal taxes. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has a detailed eight-step process for securing the UAE's 10-year Golden Residency visa , specifically tailored for investors and business owners. The update, published on the ICP's official platform, provides a streamlined and sponsor-free route for eligible individuals seeking long-term residency in the visa bundle grants a decade-long residency to qualified investors without the need for a local sponsor. Applicants must either establish or invest in UAE-based businesses or deposit capital in designated investment funds. The initiative supports the UAE's vision of attracting global capital and fostering economic growth by providing long-term security to serious must meet at least one of the following investment conditions:In addition to investment-related requirements, applicants must retain their investment for a minimum of two years from the date of visa issuance. A valid passport with at least six months' validity is also ICP has outlined the following eight steps to obtain the Golden Visa under the investor category:1. Eligibility assessment:Applicants begin by answering a series of questions through an online tool designed to evaluate their eligibility for the Golden Visa. This initial screening helps match the applicant with the appropriate visa pathway.2. Submitting the application:Once deemed eligible, applicants can proceed to file their application. Notifications are sent at each stage, guiding them through the process in real time.3. Visa approval notification:Following review, successful applicants receive an approval update, allowing them to move forward with formal procedures.4. Cancelling existing residency (if applicable):If the applicant currently holds an active UAE residency, it must be cancelled after receiving initial Golden Visa approval. This step is mandatory before continuing the visa transition.5. Changing visa status:The ICP handles the change of visa status automatically. If there are any fines linked to the previous visa, a payment link will be issued before proceeding. Once cleared, the stamped visa is shared, enabling the applicant to proceed to the next stage.6. Medical test and health insurance:Applicants aged 18 and above must undergo a medical examination and obtain a two-year health insurance policy. If the test is conducted at a Ministry of Health (MOH) facility and insurance is issued through Daman, the system will process ID and residency applications automatically. Otherwise, applicants must upload the documents manually.7. Fingerprint capture (if required):In cases where biometric data is not on file, the applicant will receive a link to schedule a fingerprinting appointment at any ICA center.8. Emirates ID issuance:In the final stage, applicants receive instructions to collect their Emirates ID card, completing the residency process aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to simplify immigration for high-value investors and entrepreneurs. The sponsor-free Golden Visa model offers a stable platform for those seeking long-term residency tied to meaningful economic can begin their application journey by visiting the official portal or accessing authorized ICP service centers.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Is return to UAE possible after deportation? Everything to Know about laws, process, and exceptions
A deported foreigner may apply to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to lift the deportation order and seek permission to return to the UAE/ Representative Image What Is Deportation? Deportation refers to the legal removal of a non-citizen from a country. In the UAE, deportation is a serious measure that applies to foreign nationals who commit certain offenses or are deemed a threat to public safety, security, or morals. The process is enforced under strict legal provisions and, once executed, can permanently bar the individual from re-entering the country unless an exemption is granted. There are two main types of deportation in the UAE: Judicial (Legal) Deportation Administrative Deportation Each type is governed by different laws, authorities, and procedures, which determine whether a person is permanently expelled from the country, the possibility of return, and how appeals can be made. Judicial Deportation: Court-Ordered Expulsion Based on Criminal Conviction Judicial deportation is issued by a court after a foreign national is convicted of a crime. This type of deportation is governed by Article 121 of Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (UAE Penal Code), as amended by Federal Law No. 34 of 2005 and further amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2016. What Article 121 States: A foreign national must be deported if convicted of a felony (serious criminal offense) for which a custodial punishment (i.e., prison sentence) is imposed. Mandatory deportation also applies to crimes involving sexual assault or related offenses. In other misdemeanors (less serious offenses), the court has discretion to: Issue a deportation order Replace the prison term with deportation Allow the individual to remain, depending on the specific case This means that for serious crimes like drug trafficking, rape, or violent assaults, deportation is not optional, it is automatically imposed by law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize Sport Pirate Undo In contrast, for minor offenses such as bounced cheques or verbal disputes, the decision is up to the court's assessment. Administrative Deportation: Authority-Issued Expulsion for Public Interest Administrative deportation is not tied to a criminal conviction. It is executed by competent government bodies when a foreign national is deemed a threat to public safety, morals, or health, or lacks sufficient means of living. This type of deportation is issued under: Ministerial Decision No. 360 of 1997 (Executive Regulations of Law No. 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residency of Foreigners) As amended by Decree Law No. 17 of 2017 Who Has the Power to Order Administrative Deportation? The Federal Public Prosecutor or his legal representative The Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) or his authorized representative Even if the foreign national holds a valid visa or residency permit, a deportation order may still be issued if deemed necessary for: Threats to public safety, public morals, public health, or national security Lack of apparent means of living Other discretionary reasons considered to be in the public interest The deportation order may also include dependents of the individual, such as a spouse or children, if they rely on that person for financial support. Even minors can be deported under judicial deportation if deemed necessary by the court. For example, repeat juvenile offenders involved in theft or violence may face expulsion, particularly if their actions threaten public order. Institutional Authority: The Role of ICP Under Federal Decree Law No. 3 of 2017, all powers and responsibilities related to: Nationality Passports Entry and Residency of Foreigners ...originally under the Ministry of Interior, are now transferred to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (now known as ICP). The ICP exercises full legal jurisdiction to manage deportation cases, entry permits, and related matters as part of its national mandate. Execution of Deportation and Financial Obligations Once a deportation order, judicial or administrative, is finalized: Once a person is deported, they are added to an electronic blacklist used by UAE immigration systems They are removed from the UAE, often after completing any prison sentence or paying a fine Illegal return, including attempts using false identities or forged passports, is a criminal offense and strictly monitored. UAE law enforcement collaborates with international security partners, airlines, and travel agencies to prevent re-entry by blacklisted individuals Expenses of Deportation (As per Law by Decree): According to Article 17, the Chairman of the Federal Authority may direct that deportation-related costs be recovered from: The deported person's own funds, if available The employer, if in violation of labor or residency law Otherwise, the government (ICA) will cover the costs Grace Period for Settling Interests in the UAE A deported individual may have business dealings, employment, properties, or family responsibilities that require time to resolve. Under the law: A grace period may be granted to settle personal or financial matters This is subject to the approval of the ICP The individual must submit a financial guarantee (bail) The maximum period allowed is three months This window is not automatic, it must be requested and is considered on a case-by-case basis. Can Deportation Be Lifted or Cancelled? Yes. A foreigner who has been deported may, in certain cases, apply for special permission to return to the UAE. This applies to both judicial and administrative deportations, though not all applications are accepted. Legal Basis for Re-entry: Article 18 of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners states: A foreigner who has beendeported may not return to the UAE unless he obtains special permission from the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Application Process: Submit a formal request to the naturalization and residency department of the relevant emirate Include: Details of past residency Reasons for original deportation Justifications for returning Changes in personal or legal circumstances Supporting documents (employment offers, family ties, rehabilitation records, etc.) Alternatively, the individual may appoint a legal representative or lawyer to handle the process. Dubai-Specific Process: In Dubai, applications for lifting deportation can be submitted online via the Public Prosecution's website. A special legal committee reviews each case and makes a decision based on: Severity of the original offense Whether the crime was intentional or first-time Applicant's behavior before and after deportation Any new risks posed to public safety There are no fixed requirements for what documents must be submitted, but stronger supporting evidence increases the chances of approval. This content is for general awareness only.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Authorities deporting, blacklisting thousands who failed to act during 2024 visa amnesty window
Over 32,000 visa violators were caught in early 2025, 70% deported, as UAE enforces penalties post-2024 amnesty deadline/ Representative Image TL;DR The UAE's 2024 visa amnesty ran from September 1 to December 31, offering legalisation or penalty-free exit. Despite a 2-month extension, many overstayers did not act and now face deportation and bans. Over 32,000 people were apprehended in 2025 for residency violations; 70% have been deported. Authorities have resumed full fines and are cracking down on illegal residents and employers. As the UAE steps up enforcement of its residency laws in 2025, authorities are now detaining and deporting thousands of individuals who failed to take advantage of last year's visa amnesty programme. Despite a generous four-month window and widespread support efforts, many undocumented residents remained in the country beyond the deadline, and are now facing serious legal and financial consequences. The 2024 Amnesty: A Missed Opportunity for Many From September 1 to December 31, 2024, the UAE implemented a nationwide visa amnesty, its fourth such programme since 2007. Previous amnesty programmes were held in 2007, 2012, and 2018. Administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), the scheme gave undocumented residents and visa violators the chance to regularise their status or exit the country without facing penalties such as fines or bans on re-entry. Originally scheduled to end on October 31, the initiative was extended by two months due to high demand. The programme ultimately spanned four months, during which: Thousands of residents regularised their visas or returned to their home countries without penalty. Numerous fines were waived for those who complied within the amnesty window. Discounted airfares were made available through airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia for individuals facing financial hardship. Community support played a vital role, with philanthropists helping stranded tourists and overstayers afford return tickets. The Indian Consulate in Dubai issued over 2,000 emergency certificates and more than 2,400 exit permits to assist Indian nationals with repatriation. The amnesty also provided flexibility by allowing violators to either find legal employment and adjust their residency status or voluntarily leave the UAE without triggering a re-entry ban. Officials emphasised that this was a one-time opportunity to "reset" their legal status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 2025: Enforcement Tightens, Consequences Mount However, despite the extensive provisions and publicity, many individuals failed to take action. According to a Khaleej Times report, widespread misinformation, denial, and misplaced hope that another amnesty would follow led to inaction among a significant portion of visa violators. The consequences of missing the amnesty deadline have been swift and far-reaching: From January to June 2025, over 32,000 individuals were apprehended for residency violations. Approximately 70% have already been deported, with the remainder facing legal procedures, including fines, court proceedings, and eventual deportation. Inspections and enforcement drives have intensified across the country, targeting not only undocumented individuals but also employers who hire them. Those caught now face blacklisting, making them ineligible to return to the UAE in the future. Officials have reiterated that while voluntary departure may still allow for fine reductions or avoidance of bans, those apprehended during raids will face full legal consequences. Social Fallout and Public Risks Community leaders and experts have raised alarms about the broader societal impact of continued illegal residency. According to the report, one growing concern is the number of undocumented domestic workers operating within homes without legal sponsorship or background checks. Social workers report that these arrangements have created unsafe conditions for both workers and households: Cases of theft and abuse often go unreported due to the absence of formal employment records. Residents who hire undocumented workers are unable to seek legal recourse in disputes, as they often have no information about the individual's true identity or legal status. Community advocates are urging the public to use licensed maid agencies and avoid hiring workers 'off the books.' End of Leniency, Return of Penalties With the 2024 amnesty now closed, the UAE has reinstated its full schedule of residency fines and penalties. Officials have made it clear that the amnesty was a time-limited opportunity with no immediate plans for a repeat. The country's enforcement agencies have stated their intention to uphold immigration laws strictly and penalise both individuals and entities that violate them. Though the government provided multiple avenues for compliance, including grace periods and both digital and in-person processing, many residents still failed to act in time. As immigration experts have noted, the consequences for overstaying are now fully in effect. FAQs: Q. What was the UAE visa amnesty 2024? It was a government initiative allowing undocumented residents to either regularise their visa status or leave the UAE without fines or bans. Q. When did the amnesty take place? The programme ran from September 1 to December 31, 2024, after a 2-month extension. Q. What happens to people who overstayed after the deadline? They face detention, fines, deportation, and possible blacklisting from re-entering the UAE. Q. Can overstayers still leave the UAE now? Yes, but they may face full penalties unless they voluntarily report and qualify for any remaining leniency on a case-by-case basis.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Arab Times
Dubai Expats Must Exit The UAE Immediately After Job Loss
DUBAI, July 23: Dubai's top immigration official has issued a stern warning to expatriates: overstaying your visa after losing your job is illegal, and authorities are stepping up enforcement. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, reminded residents that visa and residency laws must be respected, even during uncertain times. 'If you follow the rules, no one will question you,' he said. 'No one will come asking why your residency wasn't renewed or why you're overstaying, because you would've left the country like you're supposed to.' His remarks come as the UAE intensifies efforts to crack down on residency violations. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), more than 32,000 people were caught breaking the Foreign Entry and Residency Law in the first half of 2025 alone. Al Marri stressed that individuals who lose their jobs should exit the country promptly and only return after securing new employment from abroad. 'You may say, 'I lost my job and I'm trying to find another one.' That's fine, but there's a system in place,' he said. 'You don't have to break the law. If you follow the rules, everyone's happy.' The reminder underscores the UAE's zero-tolerance stance on immigration violations and aims to ensure that all foreign residents stay compliant with the grace period provided after employment termination or visa cancellation.
