UAE overstay-fine waiver ends 31 March; travellers urged to exit or regularise status

The UAE’s pandemic-style overstay-fine waiver – introduced on 28 February after mass flight cancellations – will end at midnight on 31 March 2026. From 1 April daily penalties of AED 50 will apply again to anyone whose visa has expired. Employers and travellers must ensure either departure or an in-country status change before the deadline to avoid fines and possible immigration bans.