The Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Port Security in the United Arab Emirates has announced an exceptional decision allowing residents who are currently outside the country and whose residency permits have expired to return to the UAE after travel disruptions prevented them from coming back on time as the authority explained that the measure comes in response to the ongoing regional circumstances that affected air travel and resulted in the temporary closure of airspace and suspension of flights which prevented many residents from returning to the country before their residency permits expired.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Port Security the decision applies to all residents who were outside the UAE and whose residency permits expired starting from the twenty eighth of February two thousand twenty six while they were abroad and unable to return due to airspace closures or flight suspensions caused by the current circumstances in the region as the authority confirmed that these residents will be granted a one month grace period allowing them to enter the UAE without the need to obtain a new entry visa.

The authority further clarified that the decision will remain in effect until the thirty first of March two thousand twenty six providing affected residents with an opportunity to return to the country and regularize their legal status without facing additional financial burdens resulting from the exceptional circumstances beyond their control as the authority emphasized that this initiative reflects the UAE commitment to addressing humanitarian situations affecting residents who were unable to return due to travel disruptions and extraordinary conditions impacting global aviation movement.

The Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Port Security also stated that the decision highlights the humanitarian approach adopted by the United Arab Emirates when dealing with emergency situations affecting residents as the country consistently seeks to ease burdens on residents and provide them with the opportunity to continue their lives and careers within the UAE while contributing to the nation ongoing development and economic progress while also supporting the stability of resident families and facilitating family reunification in line with the values promoted under the Year of the Family initiative.

In addition the authority confirmed that it continues to implement emergency and business continuity plans across operational sites and airports in the UAE to ensure smooth procedures and provide assistance to travelers affected by delayed or rescheduled flights while also offering support to residents impacted by these exceptional circumstances and the authority called on all concerned individuals to follow its official communication channels to stay informed about any updates or regulatory measures related to the situation while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of readiness to ensure uninterrupted services and support for travelers and visitors under all conditions.