UAE grants temporary visa extension for Kenyans affected by Iran war flight cancellations
By Aloys Michael, June 20, 2026The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted a temporary 30-day visa extension for Kenyan nationals whose travel plans were disrupted by flight cancellations linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
In a notice issued on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi said the grace period is intended to assist foreign nationals affected by regional air travel disruptions, allowing them to regularise their immigration status or leave the country without facing overstay penalties.
The visa extension and amnesty period will remain in effect until July 9, 2026. During this period, eligible Kenyans can renew their visas, change their residency status, or make travel arrangements to depart the UAE without incurring fines.
“The Government of the UAE has announced a 30-day visa grace period for eligible individuals affected by recent regional flight disruptions. This is intended to enable affected individuals to regularise their residence status or depart the UAE without incurring overstay penalties,” the statement read in part.
The advisory follows widespread flight disruptions across parts of the Middle East after escalating tensions and conflict involving Iran led to the cancellation and rerouting of several international flights.
The embassy urged affected Kenyans to act promptly and not wait until the deadline approaches.
“The Embassy therefore encourages all eligible Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their immigration status and remain in the UAE lawfully, or to make the necessary arrangements to depart the country before the deadline without attracting overstay fines,” the embassy said.
Kenyans residing in the UAE have also been advised to immediately verify their visa status and complete any necessary renewal, residency change, or departure procedures before July 9, 2026.
The embassy warned that anyone who fails to regularise their stay or leave the country before the grace period expires could face penalties under UAE immigration regulations.
Thousands of Kenyans live and work in the UAE, one of the leading destinations for Kenyan migrant workers in the Gulf region.
The Kenyan Embassy said it will continue engaging UAE authorities and urged citizens seeking clarification on their immigration status to contact the relevant immigration offices before the expiry of the visa extension.