In a compassionate response to the disruptions caused by the recent unprecedented rainfall in Dubai, authorities have announced the waiver of overstay fines for residents and visitors whose exit flights were cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.
Kurt Cervales, a Dubai resident facing potential overstay fines after his exit flight was repeatedly cancelled, expressed relief upon learning that he would not be penalized. Scheduled to depart on April 16, the last day of his visa’s grace period, Cervales found himself stranded due to the severe thunderstorm that paralyzed air travel.
“I was already counting the days, worried about the overstay fines that got bigger by the day,” said Cervales, who had resigned from his job and was unable to secure new employment before his visa expired.
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Dubai-based travel agency MRG Pinas Travel confirmed that fines were waived for their passengers affected by the flight cancellations. Visit visa holders who were unable to depart as scheduled due to the weather-related disruptions were relieved to learn that they would not face financial penalties.
A spokesperson for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai clarified that overstay fines were waived for travelers affected by flight cancellations from April 16 to 18. However, no new advisories have been issued regarding fines beyond those dates.
The waiver of overstay fines reflects the authorities’ understanding and empathy towards individuals stranded due to circumstances beyond their control. As Dubai continues its recovery efforts from the impact of the record rains, such measures provide much-needed relief to affected residents and visitors.
