UAE waives overstay fines for iranians stranded amid Israel-Iran conflict, valid until end of 2025

In a significant humanitarian gesture, the United Arab Emirates has waived all overstay fines for Iranian nationals, including both residents and visitors, regardless of the visa category under which they entered the country.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 17, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).The authority clarified that this decision was made “in response to the exceptional circumstances that the region is witnessing and to provide relief to this group of people who were unable to return to their homeland, due to the closure of airspace and the suspension of flights.”This move follows days of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Since Friday, Israel and Iran have been engaged in a direct air conflict, with Israel launching attacks on nuclear and military sites within Iran. In response, Iran has fired missiles into Israeli territory. As of Tuesday, the conflict has entered its fifth day, severely disrupting commercial air traffic and stranding travelers across the region.The exemption for Iranian nationals was issued under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The ICP said that the directive aims to provide immediate support to Iranian citizens affected by the conflict-induced travel disruptions.The decision applies to all Iranians present in the UAE, regardless of their visa type or duration of stay. It is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to respond swiftly to international humanitarian needs caused by conflict or crisis.To avail of the waiver, Iranian nationals are encouraged to register through the UAE's smart services platform or visit ICP customer happiness centres located across the country.

The exemption is not automatic and requires eligible individuals to complete the registration process.The ICP confirmed that the exemption will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. This generous timeframe offers relief and flexibility for Iranian nationals unable to return home due to airspace closures and geopolitical instability.This is not the first time the UAE has taken such measures in response to conflict.

Just last month, Sudanese nationals in the UAE were also granted full exemption from fines related to both residence and entry permits. That policy took effect on May 19, 2025, and was similarly aimed at easing the humanitarian burden caused by the crisis in Sudan.The ICP emphasized that both the Iranian and Sudanese exemptions reflect the UAE's ongoing commitment to supporting affected communities and align with its national efforts to strengthen social and humanitarian well-being among residents.