The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced that today, March 31, marks the last day residents can take advantage of a special re-entry arrangement that waived standard visa requirements for those stranded abroad.
The temporary measure was put in place after regional airspace closures and travel disruptions left a number of UAE residents unable to return home before their residency permits lapsed. Those affected — particularly residents whose permits expired from February 28 onward — were allowed back into the country without having to secure a new entry visa.
ICP described the scheme as part of the country’s humanitarian response to the disruptions, intended to remove bureaucratic obstacles for residents caught in circumstances beyond their control.
With the deadline now arriving, residents who have not yet returned and still wish to benefit from the waiver must do so by end of day. Anyone who misses the cutoff will be required to go through standard immigration procedures, which include obtaining a new entry visa before traveling to the UAE.
