Final call: UAE residency visa holders abroad must return until March 31
Temporary measure, introduced after travel disruptions, allowed smooth re-entry for affected residents
DUBAI – The grace period allowing UAE residents with expired visas to return to the country without a new entry permit is set to end on Tuesday, March 31.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that the initiative was introduced as a temporary measure to assist residents stranded abroad.
It comes as part of the country’s response to exceptional regional disruptions and airspace closures that prevented timely travel back to the UAE.
Temporary relief
The scheme was designed to support expatriate residents whose residency permits expired while they were outside the UAE. It applied specifically to those affected from February 28 onwards, when travel disruptions intensified. Under this arrangement, eligible individuals were permitted to re-enter the country without the need to apply for a new entry visa, easing logistical and administrative pressures during a challenging period.
Authorities stated that the initiative was aligned with the UAE’s broader approach to flexibility and humanitarian consideration in exceptional circumstances. The decision provided a window for residents to return smoothly and regularise their residency status upon arrival through the relevant official procedures.
Deadline approaches
With the cut-off date now imminent, residents who qualify under the scheme are being urged to make their return before March 31. After this date, normal immigration rules will be reinstated, meaning those with expired residency visas outside the country will be required to obtain a new entry permit before travelling.
Once back in the UAE, eligible residents will need to follow standard procedures to restore their legal residency status. This includes completing the necessary formalities through official channels in accordance with established immigration regulations.
The ICP reiterated that the temporary measure is strictly time-bound, emphasising that it is intended solely to address the impact of recent disruptions. The window now closes as scheduled, bringing the special arrangement to an end.