The Consulate-General of India in Dubai has activated a 24/7 crisis desk for tens of thousands of Indian nationals stranded in the UAE following the February 28 closure of Gulf airspace. UAE authorities have automatically extended visit and tourist visas expiring after this date and waived all related overstay fines.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Crisis Desk Status | 24/7 operations active |
| Visa Extension | Automatic for visas expiring after Feb 28 |
| Overstay Fines | Waived, refunds available within 30 days |
| Emergency Helpline | 800-46342 (toll-free) or WhatsApp +971 543 090 571 |
UAE Immigration Relief for Indian Travelers
UAE immigration authorities have automatically extended all visit and tourist visas that were scheduled to expire after February 28, 2026. This measure covers the massive backlog of Indian travelers unable to depart due to flight disruptions.
The overstay fine waiver applies to all penalties that would have accrued during the travel disruption period. Travelers who already paid overstay fines can apply for full refunds at Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) service centers within 30 days of payment.
Indian passport holders planning future UAE travel should familiarize themselves with standard requirements through our UAE Visa Guide to avoid complications once normal operations resume.
Hotel Rate Protection and Support Services
Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been instructed not to increase room rates for stranded guests during this crisis period. Dubai Tourism Police have established a dedicated hotline to mediate any disputes between hotels and stranded travelers over accommodation charges.
The consulate advisory specifically warns passengers not to proceed to airports unless directly contacted by their airline. Most regular commercial flights remain grounded, though charter and repatriation services are gradually clearing the passenger backlog.
For travelers considering overland exit routes through Oman, the consulate emphasizes securing proper transit visas in advance, as border crossings at Hatta and Al Ain are experiencing heavy congestion.
Emergency Support and Documentation Requirements
The crisis desk operates through toll-free number 800-46342 within the UAE and WhatsApp +971 543 090 571. Dedicated microsites are maintaining updated lists of confirmed flights to Indian cities.
Companies with stranded employees must maintain documentary proof of flight cancellations, as this documentation is mandatory for overstay fine refund applications. Use our Document Checklist to ensure you have all required paperwork properly organized.
Employers are advised to confirm seat availability before sending staff to airports and budget for extended hotel stays. The advisory notes that humanitarian “grace visas” remain available for employees from conflict-affected countries who cannot return home.
Check current processing times and requirements with our Processing Times tool as normal visa operations gradually resume across the region.
FAQ
Q: Which visas are automatically extended in UAE? A: Visit and tourist visas that were due to expire after February 28, 2026 have been automatically extended by UAE authorities.
Q: How can I get a refund for overstay fines already paid? A: Apply for refunds at ICA or GDRFA service centres within 30 days of payment, with documentary proof of flight cancellations.
Q: What are the emergency contact numbers for stranded Indians? A: Toll-free UAE number 800-46342 or WhatsApp +971 543 090 571 for the Indian Consulate’s 24/7 crisis desk.
Q: Are hotels allowed to increase rates for stranded guests? A: No, hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been instructed not to raise rates for stranded guests during this crisis.
Source: Consulate-General of India, Dubai