Dubai: In a major relief for expatriates stuck abroad, the United Arab Emirates has announced a one-month grace period for residents whose visas expired while they were outside the country.
The decision comes as many UAE residents were stranded overseas due to disruptions in flight services and the closure of certain air routes following recent regional tensions. These travel difficulties had left several expatriates worried about their residency visas expiring before they could return.
Authorities said the grace period will take effect from February 28. The facility applies to residents whose residency visas expired on or after February 28 while they were outside the UAE.
Under the new rule, affected residents will be allowed to return to the UAE until March 31, giving them sufficient time to travel back without facing legal issues.
Officials say the move will bring major relief to thousands of expatriates, many of whom had been anxiously waiting for a solution after being stranded abroad due to unexpected travel disruptions.
