President issues Decree amending UAE Cybercrimes Law

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued Emiri Decree No. 02 of 2018 amending the UAE Cybercrimes Law. According to the Decree, Article Nos. 26, 28 and 42 of Federal Decree-Law No. 05 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes will be replaced with updated provisions.

Article No. 26 stipulates an imprisonment period of at least ten years and not exceeding 25 years, and a fine not less than AED2 million and not in excess of AED4 million on whoever establishes, manages or runs a website or publishes information on the computer network or information technology means for the interest of a terrorist group or any unauthorised group, association, organisation, or body with the intent to facilitate communication with their leaders or members or attract new members, or to promote or praise their ideas, finance their activities or provide actual assistance thereof or for the purpose of publishing methods for manufacturing incendiary devices or explosives or any other devices used in terrorist acts.

The Article also details an imprisonment period not exceeding five years, and a fine not less than AED500,000 and not in excess of AED1 million for whoever establishes, manages or runs a website or publishes information on the computer network or information technology means with the aim to incite hate. For first-time offenders, the court may rule for the accused to be placed under electronic probation and monitoring, and prevented from using information technology means during a period not exceeding the maximum penalty prescribed.

Article No. 28 stipulates a punishment of temporary imprisonment and a fine not in excess of AED1 million for whoever establishes, manages or runs a website or uses information on the computer network or information technology means with intent to incite acts or publishes or transmits information, news or cartoon drawings or any other pictures which may endanger the national security and the higher interests of the State or afflicts its public order, or attacks on any member of the judicial courts system.

Lastly, Article No. 42 entails that subject to the second paragraph of Article No. 121 of the UAE Penal Code, the court may decide deportation of a foreigner who is convicted in any of the crimes specified in Federal Decree-Law No. 05 upon execution of the sentence adjudged.

Any provision contrary to the provisions of this Decree-Law shall be repealed and the latest issue shall be published in the Official Gazette.

Amnesty-seekers in Sharjah asked to approach Tasheel to rectify status

Amnesty-seekers in Sharjah has been urged to visit Tasheel centres and not the amnesty tent, to get their status rectified. Only those seeking to exit the UAE should visit the tent set up outside the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Sharjah) in Al Qasimiya.

A senior GDRFA Sharjah official told Gulf News on Monday that all applications related to renewal of visas for overstaying residents, or issuing of new visas for illegal residents, are being handled by Tasheel.

The statement comes as the GDRFA amnesty tent in Sharjah witnessed a massive rush over the last two days, with many seeking to modify their status waiting for hours in the hot sun, only to be told that they have to approach Tasheel.

The GDRFA amnesty tent is also not handling passport-related applications. Amnesty-seekers should approach their respective consulates, an Indian Association Sharjah (IAS) official confirmed.The IAS has a helpdesk at the amnesty tent.

“At the tent, only emergency certificates or outpasses are being issued to those wanting to exit the UAE,” Mohammad Jabir, acting president of IAS, said.

According to Jabir, Tasheel centres in Sharjah will be started receiving amnesty applications.

Hundreds turn out as UAE's three-month visa amnesty begins

The UAE's much-publicised visa amnesty begins with thousands of undocumented workers expected to attend immigration centres set up to process them.

The new scheme will allow anyone who has overstayed their work or residency visa the opportunity to either legalise their status in the country or return home. previous amnesties in 2007 and 2013 saw more than 340,000 illegal residents taking advantage of the grace period.

Those wishing to take advantage of the programme - which runs until October 31 - can visit any of nine centres dedicated to the amnesty, including those in Al Shahama in Abu Dhabi and Al Aweer in Dubai.

Anyone living in the country without a valid visa will be allowed to return home without paying the fines usually required for overstaying, and without facing the possible threat of a jail term.

The government has also announced a one-year residency and exemption from overstay visa fines for individuals from war-torn countries.

The full list of immigration centres set up to process those seeking assistance includes offices in Shahama, Al Ain and Al Gharbia in Abu Dhabi and Al Aweer in Dubai. The remaining five offices will be in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

Here's what you need to know:

How long can those opt to alter their visa status stay in the country to look for a job?

A six-month temporary visa will be issued to individuals looking for employment.

Will those who entered the country illegally be given amnesty?

Yes, but they will be instructed to leave the country and banned from returning for two years.

Can individuals with criminal cases against them apply for amnesty?

No. Anyone with criminal cases against them or who have been previously banned from obtaining a visa is not eligible.

Can people with absconding reports apply for the amnesty?

Yes. Immigration authorities will delete any absconding reports and issue an exit permit without a ban.

What documents are required to apply for an exit permit?

Residents need to submit either their original passport or an Emergency Certificate. A valid airline ticket out of the country must also be provided.

Can residents without passports apply for the amnesty?

Yes.

What is the fee for applying for an exit permit?

Dh220.

What is the fee for modifying residency status?

Dh500.

What is the time period allowed to leave the country after receiving an exit permit?

Those given exit permits are required to leave within 10 days of its issue.

What benefits will the amnesty provide to those from war-torn countries such as Syria or Yemen?

Individuals will be granted a one-year residence visa without restrictions