500 Golden Visa holders return to UAE after being stranded abroad: Authorities step up crisis response amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The UAE mobilised a coordinated response led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national crisis authorities to help residents stranded abroad return home amid the Iran vs US-Israel war.

“As regional tensions continue to disrupt travel across the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has stepped in to help hundreds of residents stranded abroad return home while Iran vs US-Israel war escalates”

The Times of India

Nearly 500 UAE Golden Visa holders and other residents were able to return to the emirates via air and land entry points, despite ongoing disruptions in regional travel networks.

The Times of India

The travel chaos began when escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East triggered temporary airspace restrictions, flight cancellations and reduced airline operations, leaving many travellers unable to return to the country after travelling abroad for holidays, business trips or family visits.

Airlines operating in the Gulf were forced to suspend or scale down several routes, while some airports limited scheduled operations.

The Times of India

As a result, travellers across multiple countries found themselves waiting days, or even weeks, for flights to resume.

Beyond helping Golden Visa holders return, the UAE has introduced temporary immigration measures to support residents affected by the travel crisis.

“As regional tensions continue to disrupt travel across the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has stepped in to help hundreds of residents stranded abroad return home while Iran vs US-Israel war escalates”

The Times of India

Expatriate residents whose residency visas expired while they were abroad would be allowed to return without applying for a new entry permit, provided they meet the necessary requirements, a policy valid until the end of March.

In addition, affected travellers have been granted a grace period to regularise their visa status after returning to the country, ensuring that no one faces penalties simply because they were unable to travel during the crisis.

Overstay penalties have been waived for travellers whose visas expired due to cancelled flights or suspended routes.

As the situation evolves, the episode underscores how interconnected regional travel networks are and how quickly governments must respond to protect residents.

The travel crisis affected thousands, with expatriates facing mounting hotel bills and uncertainty about when they would return to work, and some worrying about job security or missing important family commitments in the UAE.

The Times of India

Amid the disruption, communities across the Gulf offered support, including residents opening their homes to stranded travellers for free.

Airlines are gradually restoring connectivity, with some UAE and neighbouring airports operating limited schedules and prioritising repatriation flights, and officials say more residents are expected to return in coming weeks.