The special relief was introduced following regional flight disruptions that left travellers stranded in the UAE, providing affected visitors with additional time to regularise their status.
Visitors who benefited from the UAE’s temporary overstay fine exemption have only a few days left to regularise their status or exit the country before the July 9 deadline.
Earlier this month, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced a 30-day grace period for visitors who were previously exempted from overstay fines due to regional airspace closures and flight disruptions. The authority said the exceptional circumstances have now ended, and eligible individuals must either regularise their visa status or leave the UAE by July 9.
But who exactly is affected, and what steps should they take now? Khaleej Times spoke to experts to address some of the most frequently asked questions.
Who needs to take action before July 9?
According to immigration experts, the measure primarily applies to visit visa holders who benefited from the temporary waiver of overstay fines during recent regional disruptions.
“This mainly applies to visitors who were unable to leave due to flight disruptions and later received relief from overstay penalties,” said Firooskhan of Arabian Business Centre.
He added that many of the affected visitors have already left the UAE, while others are using the remaining days to complete their immigration procedures.
Why was this grace period introduced?
Earlier this year, regional tensions led to airspace closures and flight cancellations, preventing many travellers from departing the UAE. To support those affected, authorities temporarily waived overstay fines for tourists, allowing them to remain in the country without penalties during the disruption period.
With normal flight operations now restored, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has given affected individuals a final window to regularise their status or leave the country.
What are the options before July 9?
Travel agents say affected visitors generally have three options:
- Regularise their visa status if eligible
- Complete pending employment-related visa procedures if they have secured a job
- Exit the UAE before July 9
“Some people have already found jobs and are completing their status change procedures,” said Firooskhan. “Others who cannot regularise their status should leave before the deadline.”
Does this apply to all visa holders?
Experts say it does not. The July 9 deadline should not be confused with the UAE’s standard residence visa grace period.
Business centres and document clearance agencies told Khaleej Times that the measure does not apply to residents whose residence visas have expired or been cancelled. Those cases continue to follow existing UAE visa rules, where grace periods vary depending on visa type and profession.
Should affected visitors wait?
Travel agents advise against waiting, noting that enquiries typically rise as deadlines approach. They recommend that eligible individuals verify their status through an Amer centre or relevant immigration authority as soon as possible.
Those unable to regularise their status are advised to arrange travel before July 9 to avoid potential overstay penalties once the grace period ends.
The key message from experts is clear: if you are covered by the temporary relief, do not assume additional time—check your status and complete the necessary steps before the deadline.
