Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Mar 5: In a major relief measure for thousands of stranded passengers, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the United Arab Emirates has announced a sweeping waiver of overstay fines for residents, tourists and visitors unable to leave the country due to flight cancellations and airspace closures linked to ongoing regional tensions.
The decision comes in the wake of disruptions triggered by the escalating Iran–US–Israel conflict, which led to partial and temporary closures of Gulf air corridors. The move is being widely seen as a humanitarian response to an unprecedented travel crisis that left thousands stranded across the UAE.
The waiver applies to individuals whose visas technically expired after they were forced to remain in the UAE due to cancelled flights and suspended airline operations. It is effective immediately and covers those whose overstays occurred directly because of the airspace shutdowns.
Since early March 2026, coordinated military escalations in the region prompted several Gulf states to restrict or close airspace, leading to widespread airline suspensions. UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia temporarily halted or adjusted scheduled services as authorities prioritised passenger safety.
The prolonged disruptions forced many tourists, business travellers and expatriates to overstay beyond their planned departure dates. Under normal circumstances, such overstays attract fines and could lead to legal or immigration complications.
Recognising the exceptional situation, the ICA has confirmed that no penalties will be imposed on those whose overstays were directly caused by the travel disruptions.
According to the authority, the waiver covers:
• Tourists and visitors whose visas expired while they were unable to depart due to cancelled flights or airspace closures.
• Residents and expatriates whose exit permits were affected by disrupted departures.
• Individuals on short-term visas, including visit, tourist and transit visas, who could not leave before visa expiry because of the crisis.
Travellers seeking relief must provide supporting documentation such as cancelled ticket receipts, airline notifications or official airport advisories confirming the disruption. The ICA has advised affected individuals to follow official immigration channels and cooperate with authorities during the verification process.
In recent days, major transit hubs such as Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport witnessed long queues as passengers awaited updates on rescheduled flights. Travellers from South Asia, Europe, North America and Africa reported extended hotel stays and unexpected expenses due to the evolving situation.
For many, the fear of visa blacklisting or accumulating heavy fines added to the anxiety. The waiver has therefore been welcomed as a significant step in easing both financial and bureaucratic burdens.
Travel experts note that the UAE’s decision aligns with a broader global trend of temporary immigration flexibility during extraordinary events such as pandemics, natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts.
By adopting a compassionate and pragmatic stance, the UAE has reinforced its reputation as a key global transit hub that balances security considerations with humanitarian sensitivity.
Embassies and consulates in the UAE have issued advisories encouraging affected nationals to utilise the waiver where applicable and to coordinate with immigration authorities for documentation guidance.
As global aviation networks continue to adjust to regional instability, the ICA’s move is expected to restore confidence among international travellers and reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to supporting those caught in unforeseen crises.