Latest news with #ICP
The National
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UAE eases visa rules for Sudanese citizens whose passports have almost expired
The UAE will allow Sudanese citizens with less than six months left on their passports to obtain or renew residency visas in a show of solidarity amid the war in their homeland. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) told The National on Friday that the decision aimed to help people regularise their status in the face of 'exceptional circumstances'. Applicants must typically have at least six months remaining on their passport to secure residency in the Emirates. The civil war in Sudan – which broke out in April 2023 – has hampered the efforts of its citizens based overseas to renew their passports. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions forced to flee the country as the conflict has created a worsening humanitarian crisis. 'The move reflects the UAE's efforts to strengthen the social and humanitarian well-being for those impacted in the exceptional circumstances in their country,' the ICP said in a statement. 'The procedures will be smooth and flexible to renew their permits after exempting them from paying fines.' 'The decision is part of wider national efforts to promote social and humanitarian stability for residents in the country.' For Ahmed El Shiekh, a Sudanese citizen living in Dubai, the decision will help him to renew his residency and secure his job. 'It is really great initiative. It takes quite long to get a new passport and may take up to six months to get one from Sudan,' the 37-year-old said. Mr El Shiekh, whose passport will expire in four months, said he can apply now to renew his residency. 'I was afraid to lose my job and didn't know what to do. I spent most of my life in the UAE and have no other place to go. I'm relieved,' he added.
The National
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UAE evacuates citizens and residents from Iran amid conflict
The UAE on Friday announced it had evacuated 'a number of citizens and residents' stranded in Iran due to the conflict with Israel. The evacuees were flown to the Emirates in rescue missions carried out with the support of Iranian authorities, state news agency Wam reported. Airspace was closed over Iran and other countries in the region after Israel launched a wave of missile attacks on Tehran last Friday. Iran and Israel have continued to exchange fire in the days since. The hostilities have caused widespread travel disruption, with many airlines suspending and rerouting flights in response. The UAE said it was involved in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the deepening crisis in the region and restore stability and security. Emirati authorities did not say how many citizens and residents were flown out of Iran under the humanitarian campaign. UAE support The UAE on Tuesday announced it would waive overstay fines for Iranian citizens facing delays leaving the Emirates because of travel restrictions imposed due to the Israel-Iran conflict. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the measures would apply to residents and visitors holding any type of entry visa. The decision has been made under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed in solidarity with those caught up in 'exceptional circumstances' affecting the region.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Iranian Nationals in UAE Exempted From Visa Overstay Fines
The ICP-led initiative waives fines for Iranians in the UAE amidst travel disruptions caused by regional tensions, suspended flights, and closed airspace. Jun 18, 2025 The UAE has announced the waiver of visa overstay fines for all Iranian nationals currently in the country—covering both residents and visitors—regardless of visa type. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the exemption applies as a response to the "exceptional circumstances" arising from regional disruptions, including flight suspensions and airspace closures. Issued under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on Iranians unable to leave the UAE due to these travel challenges. Eligible individuals are required to register through the ICP Smart Services platform or visit any Customer Happiness Centre to claim the waiver. The exemption will remain in effect until December 31st, 2025.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
'Thank you, UAE': Iranians express gratitude after overstay fines waived amid conflict
[Editor's Note: Follow the KT live blog for live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.] For Hanzala A., an Iranian visitor who arrived in Dubai a few months ago, the past week has been filled with anxiety and uncertainty. He had been trying to find a way to legally stay in the UAE after exhausting his visit visa extensions. 'I had decided to travel to Qatar or Oman as my visa was expiring and I couldn't extend my visa any further,' said Hanzala. 'But yesterday's (Tuesday, June 17) announcement brought a huge sigh of relief. Now I'm just waiting for the airspace to reopen so I can return home.' He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the country's leadership. 'Thank you to the leadership of the UAE for doing this. If you look back, the UAE has always supported not only its citizens but also expats and even visitors. We all remember during Covid, how this country helped everyone regardless of nationality. This is one more example of that kindness.' The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced on Tuesday that Iranians will be exempt from overstay fines, whether they are residents or have entered on any type of visa. The decision, issued under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of the country's response to the regional conflict that has caused widespread travel disruptions. Iranian residents and visitors said the gesture has brought them hope at a time when many feel stuck. 'I can't thank the UAE enough,' said Reza M., an Iranian expat based in Dubai. 'I was supposed to fly back to Tehran last week, but my flight got cancelled. My visa had just expired, and I had no idea what would happen next. 'This news has taken a big burden off my shoulders,' said Reza. Nazanin, a teacher living in Sharjah whose parents had come to the UAE to visit her, said that she had been reaching out to all the possible contacts to extend the visa, but finally on Tuesday, 'I was completely relieved,' said Nazanin. 'This shows the compassion and humanity of the UAE leadership. Many of us were uncertain about what would happen, whether we would have to pay fines, leave suddenly, or be stranded. Now, we feel seen and supported immensely. 'Thank you, UAE,' said Naznin. According to the ICP, the exemption is being granted 'in response to the exceptional circumstances that the region is witnessing and to provide relief to this group of people who were unable to return to their homeland due to the closure of airspace and the suspension of flights.' Travel agencies in the UAE have also seen a sudden spike in calls from Iranian visitors looking for solutions. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, said, 'Usually, if Iranians want to extend their stay, they either do it by applying for an in-country visa change or they take a short flight back to Iran and return once a new visa is issued. Since it's just a 30 to 60-minute flight, it's a convenient option for many.' 'But now, with airspace closures and flight suspensions, even that option is off the table. That's why this overstay fine waiver has brought huge relief. Many people were unsure of what to do next,' Subair added.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Waives Visa Fines for Iranians
The UAE has announced a waiver on visa fines for Iranians currently in the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the exemption of Iranian citizens currently in the UAE from all overstay fines. This applies to both residents and visitors, regardless of their visa type. The measure is a direct response to the exceptional circumstances in the region, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions. While reaffirming its dedication to humanitarian considerations and its commitment to providing comprehensive support to all residents and visitors in the United Arab Emirates, ICP calls upon those eligible for this exemption to register via the ICP Smart Services Platform or visit any customer happiness centre in the country. Also read: UAE Ranked 5th in Global Competitiveness Ranking; Cabinet Reviews $1.4tn Trade Success
