Pakistani Expats in UAE Get Fine Exemption After Airspace Closure

If you are a Pakistani in the UAE who could not fly home because of the airspace closure, there is some relief. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a financial fine exemption for individuals affected by the closure of airspace, effective February 28, 2026. The Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued a public notice on March 6 confirming the news for the Pakistani community.

This is not just a blanket announcement. The exemption is targeted at specific groups who genuinely had no way out.

Pakistani Expats UAE: Who Qualifies for the Fine Exemption

Three categories of people are covered under this relief measure. First, individuals holding departure permits who overstayed their permitted period. Second, those whose residence permits were cancelled and who could not leave the UAE after that cancellation. Third, visitors and tourists whose UAE visas expired while they were stranded.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security announced on March 4 that the waiver applies to fines incurred on or after February 28, 2026. That was the date UAE airspace shut down.

Travelers stuck in the UAE would normally face fines of Dh50 for each day they remain beyond their visa or permit validity. For people who had no flight to board, those fines were adding up through no fault of their own.

The UAE closed its airspace on February 28 in response to targeted air strikes from Iran. The shutdown affected airports across the country and grounded flights for days. Emirates suspended all scheduled flights out of Dubai until at least 11:59pm on March 7. Etihad halted Abu Dhabi departures until at least 2pm on March 5.

The ICP confirmed that travel procedures had been finalized for 30,913 passengers at UAE airports, including Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Airports, and Sharjah International.

UAE Overstay Fine Waiver: What You Need to Do

The Pakistani Embassy is advising all affected individuals to contact the relevant UAE immigration authorities to regularize their status. Do not wait. The exemption covers the fine, but you still need to go through the proper process to sort out your legal standing before you travel.

Specialized teams at airports and Customer Happiness Centres are currently assisting travellers whose flights were delayed or rescheduled, working under emergency and business continuity plans in coordination with relevant authorities.

According to the ICP, the decision was taken because the circumstances were entirely beyond the control of those affected. Flights were suspended, not missed. That distinction matters.

The UAE stated that, guided by its humanitarian values and its approach based on tolerance and solidarity, it remains committed to providing support to travellers and visitors during exceptional circumstances.

For Pakistani expats already navigating the anxiety of regional tensions, the notice from the Embassy is a practical and reassuring one. If your visa expired, your residency was cancelled, or your departure permit lapsed because your flight simply did not exist, you will not be penalized for it.

Keep an eye on official channels from the UAE ICP and the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi for any further updates.