The Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued an urgent advisory calling on Kenyan nationals in the United Arab Emirates to act swiftly following the announcement of a 30-day visa grace period by UAE authorities, with a hard deadline of July 9, 2026.
The grace period, which commenced on June 10, was announced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security following months of severe air travel disruptions across the Middle East. The disruptions, triggered by the US-Iran-Israel war that began in late February, left thousands of foreign nationals, including Kenyans, stranded and unable to depart the country as scheduled.
“The Embassy wishes to inform Kenyan nationals in the UAE that the Government of the UAE has announced a 30-day visa grace period for eligible individuals affected by recent regional flight disruptions,” the Embassy stated in a notice published Saturday on social media platform X.
The window gives qualifying individuals two options: regularise their immigration status and remain in the country lawfully, or depart without incurring overstay penalties. The Embassy has strongly urged Kenyans without confirmed employment or sponsorship to take the departure route rather than risk prolonged undocumented residence.
“Affected Kenyans are advised to check their visa status immediately and complete any required visa renewal, status change or departure procedures as soon as possible and no later than 9th July 2026,” the Embassy added.
The relief measure is targeted specifically at individuals whose overstays were directly caused by the flight suspensions that began on February 28, 2026. Those who were already in violation of immigration rules before that date are not covered and remain subject to standard enforcement.
Eligible categories include holders of tourist and visit visas whose legal stay expired while awaiting cancelled flights, individuals with exit permits who could not depart due to grounded aircraft, and former residents whose employment visas were cancelled but who remained physically trapped in the UAE.
UAE authorities have noted that eligible individuals are not required to take any special action to benefit from the waiver. Those wishing to stay must secure valid sponsorship and begin residency applications immediately, while those departing can proceed directly to the airport under standard exit procedures without facing detention or accumulated fines at passport control.
The stakes of inaction are steep. Once the grace period expires at midnight on July 9, UAE’s standard overstay penalty of AED 50 — approximately KES 1,750 — per day will be reinstated, calculated from the original date of visa expiry. For Kenyans stranded since late February or March, accumulated fines could run into thousands of dirhams, risking deportation and a region-wide travel ban across Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have largely restored their flight schedules following the General Civil Aviation Authority’s confirmation of full airspace resumption in May, though some routes continue to face delays and diversions.
Kenyans in need of passport renewals or emergency travel documents are advised to contact the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai without delay, as documentation delays will not be accepted as grounds for missing the UAE immigration deadline.
