The Consulate-General of India in Dubai has activated an around-the-clock crisis desk for the tens of thousands of Indian nationals still stuck in the United Arab Emirates after the February 28 closure of large parts of Gulf airspace. In a public advisory dated March 8, 2026, the mission confirms that most regular commercial flights remain grounded, but that a patchwork of charter and repatriation services is beginning to clear the backlog.
Key to the notice is reassurance on immigration status. UAE authorities have automatically extended visit and tourist visas that were due to expire after February 28 and—crucially—waived all overstay fines that might otherwise have accrued. Travellers who already paid penalties may apply for refunds at ICA or GDRFA service centres within 30 days. Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been instructed not to raise rates for stranded guests, and Dubai Tourism Police have opened a hotline to mediate disputes.
For stranded passengers who decide to renew visas, arrange onward transit papers or simply check the latest entry requirements, VisaHQ can take much of the guesswork out of the process. Its UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) lets users review up-to-the-minute rules, submit applications online and track approvals—giving both travellers and their employers a convenient alternative to standing in line at overburdened immigration counters.
![Indian Consulate Issues Detailed Help-Desk for Stranded Travellers in UAE]()
The consulate lists airline help-desks, urges passengers not to go to the airport unless directly contacted by their carrier and advises those considering an over-land exit via Oman to secure the correct visas in advance; congestion at the Hatta and Al Ain border crossings is already heavy. Emergency helpline numbers (toll-free UAE 800-46342 and WhatsApp +971 543 090 571) remain active, and dedicated microsites are updating lists of confirmed flights to Indian cities.
For employers, relocation managers and travel agents the message is clear: confirm bookings before dispatching staff to the airport, budget for extended hotel stays, and keep documentary proof of flight cancellations—these are mandatory for overstay fine refunds. The advisory also reminds companies that humanitarian “grace visas” are available for employees from conflict-affected countries who can no longer return home.
Industry observers note that the 3.5 million-strong Indian community forms the backbone of the UAE’s private-sector workforce; smooth handling of their mobility needs is therefore vital to keeping construction sites, hospitals and service industries running during the regional crisis.
Key to the notice is reassurance on immigration status. UAE authorities have automatically extended visit and tourist visas that were due to expire after February 28 and—crucially—waived all overstay fines that might otherwise have accrued. Travellers who already paid penalties may apply for refunds at ICA or GDRFA service centres within 30 days. Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been instructed not to raise rates for stranded guests, and Dubai Tourism Police have opened a hotline to mediate disputes.
For stranded passengers who decide to renew visas, arrange onward transit papers or simply check the latest entry requirements, VisaHQ can take much of the guesswork out of the process. Its UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) lets users review up-to-the-minute rules, submit applications online and track approvals—giving both travellers and their employers a convenient alternative to standing in line at overburdened immigration counters.
The consulate lists airline help-desks, urges passengers not to go to the airport unless directly contacted by their carrier and advises those considering an over-land exit via Oman to secure the correct visas in advance; congestion at the Hatta and Al Ain border crossings is already heavy. Emergency helpline numbers (toll-free UAE 800-46342 and WhatsApp +971 543 090 571) remain active, and dedicated microsites are updating lists of confirmed flights to Indian cities.
For employers, relocation managers and travel agents the message is clear: confirm bookings before dispatching staff to the airport, budget for extended hotel stays, and keep documentary proof of flight cancellations—these are mandatory for overstay fine refunds. The advisory also reminds companies that humanitarian “grace visas” are available for employees from conflict-affected countries who can no longer return home.
Industry observers note that the 3.5 million-strong Indian community forms the backbone of the UAE’s private-sector workforce; smooth handling of their mobility needs is therefore vital to keeping construction sites, hospitals and service industries running during the regional crisis.
