Web desk: The government of the United Arab Emirates has announced relief for foreign travelers who could not leave the country because of the closure of airspace and flight suspensions. Authorities said that affected passengers will not have to pay visa overstay fines.
According to a report the decision was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Port Security also known as ICP. The authority confirmed that the exemption applies to people holding visit visas tourist visas and exit permits.
Officials said that passengers whose departure was delayed after 28 February will receive a waiver of overstay penalties. Travelers who had already cancelled their residence permits in order to leave the country will also benefit from this exemption.
A spokesperson for the ICP said the decision aims to support people who were unable to depart because flights were suspended and airspace restrictions prevented travel.
Under normal circumstances people who stay in the country after their visa expires must pay a fine of 50 dirhams per day. The new relief measure removes this penalty for those affected by the travel disruption.
Read more: Airspace shutdown leaves travelers trapped across the Gulf
