By Patience Gondo
ZIMBABWEANS stranded in the United Arab Emirates have been exempted from overstay penalties after flight disruptions caused by the recent airspace closures, the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates has said.
In an advisory note issued on March 9 2026, the embassy said Zimbabweans affected by the suspension of flights will be exempted from paying overstay fines that took effect on February 28 2026, following confirmation by authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
The advisory was directed to Zimbabwean nationals living or travelling in the UAE.
According to the embassy, the exemption applies to several categories of individuals whose travel plans were disrupted by the flight suspensions.
These include holders of departure permits, commonly known as out passes, who have exceeded their prescribed departure period due to the disruption of flights.
The exemption also covers individuals with cancelled residence permits whose departure was delayed after flights were suspended.
Holders of visitor or tourist visas whose authorised period of stay in the UAE has expired are also included under the exemption.
The embassy said Zimbabwean nationals should continue following official safety guidelines and advisories issued by authorities.
It also assured citizens that diplomatic offices remain operational.
“The Zimbabwe Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Zimbabwe Consulate in Dubai remain fully operational and are offering consular services,” the advisory said.
The diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai are expected to assist Zimbabweans affected by the travel disruptions.
Thousands of Zimbabweans live and work in the UAE, particularly in the hospitality, retail and service sectors. Many regularly travel between the Gulf state and Zimbabwe through regional flight connections.
Flight suspensions and airspace disruptions can leave travellers stranded or unable to leave before their visas expire, often resulting in heavy immigration fines.
The embassy said the temporary waiver is meant to protect affected Zimbabweans from penalties while travel arrangements are being restored.