UAE waives overstay fines for Iranians affected by Israel-Iran conflict

The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, that it would waive overstay penalties for Iranian nationals who have been unable to leave the country due to travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and made public by online media sources.

It confirmed that the exemption would apply to both residents and visitors from Iran, regardless of the type of visa they hold.

The UAE government’s decision was issued under the directive of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is intended to offer relief to those affected by the ongoing regional crisis.

“This initiative is being implemented in response to the exceptional circumstances currently affecting the region,” the ICP said in a public statement.

“Its goal is to ease the difficulties faced by individuals who cannot return to their home country due to the closure of Iranian airspace and the suspension of flights.”

The flight disruptions began following a series of Israeli missile strikes on Iranian targets last Friday, prompting Iran to shut down its airspace.

Since then, the two nations have continued to exchange attacks, intensifying fears of broader regional instability.

As a result, major UAE-based airlines have temporarily halted operations to and from Iran.

Emirates Airline has suspended its flights to Tehran until at least June 30, while flydubai has also ceased all services to Iranian destinations through the same date.

These cancellations have left many Iranian nationals in the Emirates stranded and uncertain about when they can return home.

To receive the overstay fine exemption, Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are being asked to register through the government’s smart services portal.

They also have the option to visit one of the Customer Happiness Centres across the country.

The ICP encouraged those affected to act promptly to benefit from the relief measure.

The UAE’s response is part of a broader expression of concern among regional and international actors about the rapidly worsening situation in the Middle East.

The Emirates joined a coalition of 20 countries that have strongly condemned the rising tensions, placing blame on what they described as Israeli aggression toward Iran.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the 20 countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, the Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, and Oman, called for an end to military escalations and emphasized the need for diplomacy.

“There is a pressing need to stop Israeli military actions against Iran, particularly at a time when tensions across the region are rising,” the statement read.

“We must work collectively toward de-escalation, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the restoration of stability.”

The ministers made it clear that military conflict would not produce a sustainable solution and urged all involved parties to engage in dialogue.

They stressed that diplomacy is the only viable path to resolving the crisis and restoring peace to a region already burdened with longstanding geopolitical rivalries and humanitarian concerns.

The UAE, which has positioned itself as a stabilizing force in the Middle East, has consistently supported efforts that promote dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution.

By waiving the overstay fines for Iranian nationals and participating in multilateral diplomatic appeals, the Emirates continues to demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian support and regional de-escalation.

In summary, as travel restrictions and airspace closures continue to affect movement in and out of Iran, the UAE’s exemption of penalties provides much-needed relief for stranded Iranian citizens.

Meanwhile, the broader international call for restraint and negotiation reflects growing anxiety over the conflict’s potential to destabilize the region further.

Whether diplomatic efforts will succeed in reversing the tide of violence remains uncertain, but global attention is firmly focused on preventing a deeper crisis.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook