The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has stepped in once again to cushion visitors and residents who were stranded earlier this year when regional airspace closures forced widespread flight cancellations. In a decision announced late on 18 June 2026, the ICP said anyone who benefitted from the March waiver of overstay fines now has a further 30-day period – from 10 June to 9 July – to either regularise their status or depart the country without penalty. The additional grace period reflects the government’s assessment that “the exceptional circumstances that justified the original fine waiver have now ceased to exist,” yet officials recognise that thousands of affected travellers still need time to file new residence applications, secure work permits, or book outbound flights that match airline availability. No special appointment is required; applicants may complete normal in-country status-change formalities through the ICP smart services portal, while those choosing to leave can exit directly at any port of entry.
![UAE ICP offers 30-day grace window for travellers caught by earlier flight suspensions]()
Travellers who prefer professional assistance with these formalities can turn to VisaHQ. Through its dedicated UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service walks applicants through visa extensions, status changes or exit permits, checks supporting documents for accuracy and submits requests on their behalf—saving time and helping them meet the 9 July deadline.
From a compliance perspective, the move is significant. UAE residence and visit visas are electronically linked to Emirates ID, tenancy contracts and, for employees, to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) database. Allowing a clean reset avoids a wave of inadvertent overstayers who could otherwise face bans of up to one year and daily fines of Dh50. Employers also escape potential penalties for keeping staff whose immigration status lapsed through no fault of their own. For corporate mobility managers the message is clear: audit the status of staff, dependants and long-term visitors who were on grace visas in March. If they intend to stay, lodge the appropriate change-of-status applications before 9 July; if they plan to leave, ensure tickets are booked and exit controls are cleared before the deadline. Failure to act could trigger re-entry bans that complicate future assignments. The ICP has urged all companies and travellers to use official channels only and warned against middlemen promising “shortcut” services.
Travellers who prefer professional assistance with these formalities can turn to VisaHQ. Through its dedicated UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service walks applicants through visa extensions, status changes or exit permits, checks supporting documents for accuracy and submits requests on their behalf—saving time and helping them meet the 9 July deadline.
From a compliance perspective, the move is significant. UAE residence and visit visas are electronically linked to Emirates ID, tenancy contracts and, for employees, to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) database. Allowing a clean reset avoids a wave of inadvertent overstayers who could otherwise face bans of up to one year and daily fines of Dh50. Employers also escape potential penalties for keeping staff whose immigration status lapsed through no fault of their own. For corporate mobility managers the message is clear: audit the status of staff, dependants and long-term visitors who were on grace visas in March. If they intend to stay, lodge the appropriate change-of-status applications before 9 July; if they plan to leave, ensure tickets are booked and exit controls are cleared before the deadline. Failure to act could trigger re-entry bans that complicate future assignments. The ICP has urged all companies and travellers to use official channels only and warned against middlemen promising “shortcut” services.
