UAE Ends Emergency Overstay Grace Period

The UAE's temporary humanitarian waiver for visa overstays officially concluded at midnight on March 31. This grace period was originally implemented on February 28 to assist travelers and residents stranded by regional airspace closures and flight disruptions. With the deadline passed, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has transitioned back to standard enforcement.

Standard overstay fines have now resumed for all permit types. This includes tourist, visit, and transit visas, as well as expired or cancelled residency permits. The ICP previously waived penalties for an estimated 180,000 people during the month-long crisis, but there are no automatic extensions beyond this window.

Who is affected

Digital nomads on short-term visas and expats with cancelled residency permits are the primary groups facing risk. If you were unable to depart or regularize your status during the March window, you are now subject to daily fines. These penalties typically range from AED 50 to AED 100 per day, depending on the visa type, plus additional exit fees.

What to do next

If your permit has expired, you must take immediate action to avoid mounting debt or potential re-entry bans. You can check your current status via the ICP website or mobile app. To remain in the country legally, consider these steps:

• Apply for a standard extension through the ICP or GDRFA portals.
• Prepare documentation including passport copies, return tickets, and fees of approximately AED 600–630.
• Transition to the dedicated Remote Work Visa if you meet the $3,500 monthly income requirement.

Nomads should stay informed on nomad news to ensure they remain compliant with local regulations. Strict adherence to these deadlines is necessary to maintain a clean travel record in the Emirates.

Read our full UAE guide for the complete picture.