Expatriate residents of the UAE who found themselves stranded abroad with expired residency visas have been given a limited window to return to the country without first securing a new entry permit.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced the temporary measure, which runs from February 28 through March 31. The authority cited exceptional circumstances that had prevented certain residents from making it back before their visas lapsed.
Once back in the country, returning residents will be required to go through the proper channels to regularise their status — meaning re-entry under the scheme does not automatically resolve their visa situation, but allows them to address it from within the UAE.
The ICP described the initiative as part of the country’s broader commitment to supporting its expatriate population through flexible administrative responses when unusual situations arise.
