UAE Allows Residents with Expired Visas to Return Without New Permits Until March 31

The United Arab Emirates will permit residents whose visas expired while they were abroad to return without applying for new entry permits, provided their residency lapsed on or after 28 February 2026. 

The temporary measure will remain in effect until 31 March 2026. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said the exemption is intended to assist residents affected by regional air travel disruptions. Authorities emphasised that the measure aims to ensure continuity for expatriates and their families during the period of disrupted flights and airspace closures across the Gulf.

Education in the UAE has also been affected. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has cancelled the 2026 ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examinations for all centres in the country. Earlier in March, several scheduled papers between 2 and 14 March were postponed. CISCE confirmed that results will be determined through an alternative assessment system, with details to be provided to students in due course.

The broader context is a period of heightened tension in the Gulf following attacks on neighbouring states, which have caused security concerns and operational disruptions. A senior Emirati official told Khaleej Times that the country is nearing the end of the crisis and urged residents to rely only on official information to avoid confusion caused by unverified reports.