UAE eases immigration rules for travellers hit by flight disruptions

The UAE has introduced temporary immigration relief for travellers affected by recent flight disruptions. The new rules, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), aim to ease difficulties caused by cancelled flights and airspace closures. They apply to both residents stranded abroad and visitors unable to leave the country on time.

The measures took effect from 28 February 2026. One key change waives overstay fines for those who could not depart the UAE as planned due to flight cancellations or airspace restrictions. This provides financial relief for visitors and expatriates stuck in the country beyond their permitted stay.

Another provision allows residents whose permits expired while they were abroad to return without needing a new entry visa. Normally, an expired residence permit would require a fresh application before re-entering the UAE. The ICP has not released figures on how many people have benefited from these rules since their introduction. The temporary adjustments cover a period of disruption when many travellers faced unexpected delays. No end date for the relief measures has been specified yet.

The new rules remove penalties for overstaying and simplify re-entry for stranded residents. They apply retroactively from late February 2026, offering immediate support to those impacted by travel chaos. Officials have not confirmed how long the measures will remain in place.