Abu Dhabi, March 12, 2026 — The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has introduced a temporary arrangement allowing expatriate residents who remain outside the UAE, and whose residency visas expired while they were abroad, to return without applying for a new entry permit.
The decision offers relief to residents who found themselves stuck overseas and unable to travel back before their permits lapsed.
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Temporary window
According to the authority, the facilitation applies to arrivals between February 28 and March 31, 2026. During this period, eligible residents can travel back to the UAE directly, even if their residency visa expired while they were outside the country.
The step effectively removes the need for a fresh entry permit for those affected, easing the process of returning to the country during the announced window.
Overstay fines
ICP also confirmed that overstay fines linked to the recent travel disruptions will be waived. The exemption covers penalties accumulated from February 28, 2026, particularly in cases where flight suspensions or airspace closures prevented travellers from leaving or returning on time.
Officials said the move is meant to address situations where residents had little control over their travel plans due to regional developments.
Arrivals and regularisation
Residents who return under the temporary measure will still need to complete the usual immigration procedures once they are back in the country. This includes renewing the residency visa, updating Emirates ID records and coordinating with the relevant sponsor or employer where required.
Authorities clarified that entry under the arrangement does not extend the validity of an expired residence visa by itself. Regularisation must be completed through the standard channels after arrival.
Airport processing
In operational updates, ICP said it had processed travel procedures for around 30,913 travellers across the UAE’s airports in the days following the disruptions. Immigration teams handled visa issuance,
