The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced late on 3 March that it had processed emergency entry visas for 15,327 travellers stuck at UAE airports after widespread flight cancellations. Working with airport operators and hotel groups, ICP teams also handled accommodation, meals and onward-travel arrangements for 30,913 passengers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Under the UAE’s crisis-response framework, immigration officers are empowered to grant short-stay humanitarian visas on-arrival when commercial departures are halted for security reasons. Holders may stay in the country until normal flight operations resume and are automatically enrolled in the national health-insurance scheme for the duration of their visa.
![UAE’s Identity Authority issues 15,327 emergency visas and shelters 30,913 stranded passengers]()
The swift roll-out showcases lessons learnt from the COVID-19 repatriation programme in 2020. ICP activated a business-continuity plan that integrates airlines, ground-handlers, hotel chains and transport companies via a common digital registry, allowing real-time tracking of passenger status and accommodation capacity.
For individuals or companies looking for hands-on help navigating follow-on visa options once the emergency stamp expires, VisaHQ can step in. Through its dedicated UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service simplifies applications for standard visit, work or residence permits, provides document checklists and live support, ensuring travellers remain compliant during and after a disruption.
For global mobility teams, the development means that staff who were in transit can legally enter the UAE, continue working remotely if needed, and avoid overstaying fines. Employers should note, however, that the visas are single-entry and conversion to standard visit or residence status will require a separate application once the emergency period is lifted.
Under the UAE’s crisis-response framework, immigration officers are empowered to grant short-stay humanitarian visas on-arrival when commercial departures are halted for security reasons. Holders may stay in the country until normal flight operations resume and are automatically enrolled in the national health-insurance scheme for the duration of their visa.
The swift roll-out showcases lessons learnt from the COVID-19 repatriation programme in 2020. ICP activated a business-continuity plan that integrates airlines, ground-handlers, hotel chains and transport companies via a common digital registry, allowing real-time tracking of passenger status and accommodation capacity.
For individuals or companies looking for hands-on help navigating follow-on visa options once the emergency stamp expires, VisaHQ can step in. Through its dedicated UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service simplifies applications for standard visit, work or residence permits, provides document checklists and live support, ensuring travellers remain compliant during and after a disruption.
For global mobility teams, the development means that staff who were in transit can legally enter the UAE, continue working remotely if needed, and avoid overstaying fines. Employers should note, however, that the visas are single-entry and conversion to standard visit or residence status will require a separate application once the emergency period is lifted.
