Ugandans living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without proper documentation have been urged to take advantage of an amnesty program that allows them to return to Uganda without facing penalties.

The amnesty, which is set to expire in December 2024, provides a critical window for individuals to resolve their legal status and return home safely.

Hon. Esther Anyakun Davina, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, made the call during an update at the Uganda Media Centre.

"This amnesty offers a valuable opportunity for Ugandans facing legal challenges or lacking proper documentation to return home without incurring penalties," Anyakun emphasized.

The Minister also provided updates on the ongoing repatriation of Ugandan migrant workers from Saudi Arabia.

To date, 146 Ugandans, including 54 girls, have been brought back home, with the most recent group arriving on an Air Arabia flight this past weekend.

These repatriations stem from an agreement made during a ministerial visit to Riyadh in October, where Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Alrajhi, extended a pardon to Ugandans detained in deportation centers and prisons.

Anyakun encouraged undocumented Ugandans in the UAE to make their way to the nearest airport and take advantage of the opportunity to return home before the deadline.

In addition, the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is providing counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration support to returnees, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of Ugandan workers abroad.