Visitors who benefited from a temporary overstay fine exemption in the UAE have only a few days left to regularize their status or leave the country before the July 9 deadline.

Earlier this month, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced a 30-day grace period for visitors who were previously exempted from overstay fines due to regional airspace closures and flight disruptions. The authority stated that the exceptional circumstances have ended, and eligible individuals must now either amend their visa status or leave the UAE before July 9.

But who exactly is affected by this decision and what actions should they take now? Experts have been consulted to answer some common questions.

Who needs to take action before July 9?

According to immigration experts, this measure primarily applies to visit visa holders who benefited from temporary overstay fine exemptions during regional disruptions.

Firoz Khan from Arabian Business Centre said: This mainly concerns visitors who were unable to leave the country due to flight disruptions and were subsequently exempted from paying overstay fines.

He added that many affected visitors have already left the UAE, while others are using the remaining days to complete their immigration procedures.

Why was this grace period granted?

Earlier this year, regional tensions led to airspace closures and flight cancellations, making it difficult for many travelers to depart from the UAE. To support those affected, authorities temporarily waived overstay fines for tourists so they could remain in the country without penalty while travel disruptions continued.

With flight operations returning to normal, the ICP has now provided a final opportunity for affected individuals to settle their visa status.

What are the options before July 9?

Travel agencies say affected visitors generally have three options:

Regularizing visa status, if eligible

Completing work visa procedures if they have found employment

Leaving the UAE before July 9

Firoz Khan said: Some people have already found jobs and are completing their status change procedures. Those who cannot regularize their status must leave the country before the deadline.

Mohammed Masiuddin, an immigration consultant at Superjet Group, said this exemption provided many visitors with valuable time to finalize their plans.

He said: This support measure might seem small, but it has been a huge help for the affected visitors.

Does this apply to all visa holders?

According to experts, the answer is no. The July 9 deadline should not be confused with the standard grace period for residency visas in the UAE.

Business service centers and typing agencies stated that the current system does not indicate that this special measure applies to residents whose residency visas have expired or been cancelled. These cases remain subject to existing UAE residency visa laws, where grace periods vary depending on the visa type and profession.

Should affected visitors wait until the last minute?

Travel agencies advise individuals not to wait until the last moment. They expect an increase in inquiries as the deadline approaches and suggest that eligible individuals check their status as soon as possible through Amer centers or relevant immigration authorities.

Those who cannot regularize their status must make travel arrangements before July 9 to avoid potential overstay fines after the grace period ends.

The message from immigration experts is clear: If you are among those who benefited from the temporary overstay fine exemption, do not assume you have more time. Check your status now and complete the necessary steps before the July 9 deadline.