The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has announced a 30-day grace period for categories of individuals affected by the exceptional circumstances that swept the region and who had previously been exempted from fines accrued due to delayed departure. The grace period, during which they may regularise their status in the country or depart, will run from 10 June 2026 to 9 July 2026.
The Authority affirmed that the decision aims to entrench a culture of compliance with the laws and legislation in force in the country, and to give affected individuals the opportunity to rectify their status and live and work in the United Arab Emirates legally, given that the crisis has ended and the situation in the region has stabilised.
The Authority explained that its earlier decision to exempt those affected from overstay fines reflected the UAE's deeply held humanitarian values and its approach of extending aid and assistance to those in need wherever they may be. It also reflected the Authority's strategic orientation of providing all forms of support to travellers and visitors on its soil during emergencies and exceptional circumstances, affirming the country's image as a safe destination and haven for all.
The Authority stated that the exceptional circumstances that necessitated the fine-exemption decision have now passed and no longer exist, given the stability currently prevailing in the region. This means that affected individuals are being granted a new opportunity to regularise their status in the country or depart within the permitted grace period.
The Authority confirmed that beneficiaries of the decision are not required to take any additional steps. Those wishing to work and reside in the country may adjust their status during the designated grace period, while those wishing to depart may travel directly during the grace period in accordance with applicable procedures.
The Authority called on all those concerned to follow its official channels for any updates or regulatory procedures, reaffirming its commitment to continuing to operate at the highest levels of quality and excellence in order to ensure the delivery of proactive services that meet the aspirations of users and entrench a culture of compliance with the law.
The Authority had issued a decision in March of this year exempting from overstay fines all cases that were unable to leave the country — including visa holders, holders of exit permits, and residents who had cancelled their residency but could not depart due to airspace closures or flight suspensions from 28 February 2026 — in a humanitarian and civilised gesture designed to protect those affected from any financial burdens arising from exceptional circumstances beyond their control.