Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations

The situation

Following the United States and Israel launching an airstrike campaign targeting Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes, there are closed airspaces and flight suspensions in the region.

Fragomen is closely monitoring the situation. Our priority is to support clients in navigating uncertainties, ensuring employee safety and business continuity.

A closer look

• Airspace closures and flight operations. Iran, Israel, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq and Qatar have all closed (or partially closed) their airspaces. More countries in the region are expected to also close their airspaces. Many airlines have announced the suspension of flights to the Middle East.
• Land borders. There are reports of land border closures in the region. Check with local authorities for information.
• Concessions. The following concessions are in place:
  • Canada. The Canadian government has introduced updated measures to support Iranian nationals who are temporary residents in Canada.  
  • India. The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that foreign nationals currently in India whose travel plans have been disrupted and who require visa extensions or assistance in regularizing their stay are advised to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The relevant FRRO will support affected foreign nationals in completing the necessary formalities to ensure lawful Indian stay during this period of disruption. 
  • Israel
    • Automatic visa extensions  
      • The below Israeli visas where the validity expires between February 22, 2026 and March 31, 2026, will be automatically extended by three months: B-1, B-2, B-4, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, DCL permit (for family reunification and humanitarian).
      • Update March 19, 2026: The below Israeli visas where the validity falls in April or May 2026 will be automatically extended by three months: B-1, B-2, B-4, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, DCL permit (for family reunification and humanitarian). It is not clear whether employer-sponsored B-1 work visas (such as Experts) are being automatically extended.
    • Re-entry visa validity automatic extension  
      • The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (Foreign Workers Administration) announced foreign workers from all sectors who departed Israel with a valid re-entry visa (“Inter-Visa”) that expired or is set to expire between February 28, 2026 and March 14, 2026 (inclusive) will receive an automatic extension of their re-entry visa validity until March 21, 2026 (inclusive). The extension will be updated automatically in the Population Authority’s computerized systems, and no application or additional request is required, provided that the worker is currently outside Israel and departed with a valid re-entry visa. The updated validity will appear in the border control systems and will allow entry into Israel until March 21, 2026 (inclusive).  
      • Update March 19, 2026: Foreign workers who departed Israel with a valid re-entry visa (“Multi-Entry-Visa / Enter-Visa”) that expired or is set to expire between February 28, 2026 and April 21, 2026 (inclusive) will receive an automatic extension of their re-entry visa validity until April 30, 2026 (inclusive). No application request is required provided that the worker is currently outside Israel and departed with a valid re-entry visa.
      • Importantly, this does not constitute an extension of the work visa or work permit, but only an extension of the re-entry visa validity. The extension is primarily relevant to foreign workers in the industry, commerce and services sectors and Technology Procedure, and does not apply to foreign experts, including short-term visas (up to 90 days). The extension mainly affects foreign workers whose re-entry visas were originally issued for a shorter period than the validity of their work permits. 

• • Kuwait 
    • All types of visit entry visas that have expired or are due to expire will be automatically extended for one month, effective February 28, 2026. All related fines and applicable fees will be waived during this period.
    • Residents that are currently outside Kuwait and have exceeded the permitted absence period and are unable to return to the Kuwait will automatically be granted a three-month absence permit, exempt from fines and fees.
    • These measures may be extended further depending on regional developments.

• • Qatar

    • The Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month automatic extension for all entry visa categories that have expired or are nearing expiry.
    • Extensions are processed online without additional fees.
    • Foreign nationals with pre-February 28, 2026 visa violations must settle overstay fines to qualify.
  • Saudi Arabia.
    
    • The Egyptian Embassy in Riyadh announced a temporary measure allowing Egyptian nationals entering Saudi Arabia by land to obtain an emergency visa on arrival, enabling onward travel through major Saudi airports, subject to following consular instructions and procedures.
    • The Indian Embassy in Doha announced a temporary measure permitting Indian nationals registered with the Indian Embassy in Doha to exit Doha and enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border under an emergency entry arrangement. This would enable eligible travelers to obtain an emergency visa upon entry and proceed with onward travel through major Saudi airports.
    • The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has also announced a temporary measure allowing Indian nationals to register with the Indian Embassy in Bahrain for assistance in exiting Bahrain and entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Under this arrangement, the Indian Embassy will coordinate with both the Embassy of Bahrain and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate emergency entry where necessary.
    • We have observed limited flexibility at some Saudi land borders, with certain individuals permitted entry using emergency passports. These documents are typically restricted to return travel to the holder’s home country and are not intended for routine cross-border use. Entry is assessed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of border officials, and individuals should not rely on this as a guaranteed solution. 
       

  • South Africa.

    • The Minister of Home Affairs has introduced temporary concessions for airline passengers and crew affected by airspace closures in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan and Oman, valid until May 31, 2026, or until travel resumes following a ceasefire, whichever comes first. These concessions apply to the following: 

      • • • Visitors’ visa holders. Affected individuals who have reached the maximum validity period and whose visa is not renewable may apply for a new visa with the same conditions for up to three months.

          • Long-term visa holders. Long-term visas expiring on or before March 31, 2026, may apply for a Visitors’ Visa before expiry, provided all requirements are met, with no change of status permitted.

          • Expired temporary residence visas. Renewal applications may be submitted without first obtaining a Form 20 authorization.

          • Overstays. Applicants with pending applications who are awaiting travel due to airspace closures will not be declared undesirable for overstaying. Additionally, individuals who were declared undesirable upon departure, or who were unable to depart on time due to overstays linked to airspace closures as of February 26, 2026, may submit an appeal with supporting evidence to [email protected].  

  • Thailand. Foreign nationals in Thailand whose permitted stay rights have expired and who are unable to depart due to the Middle East airspace closure may either leave the country once travel resumes without overstay penalties or apply for a Temporary Stay Extension of up to 30 days, subject to the immigration department’s discretion.  Applicants must submit a copy of their passport, the required application forms and a letter explaining the necessity for the extension to support their request. 
  • United Arab Emirates:
    • • Visa extensions. Individuals unable to depart due to flight disruptions will be exempt from fines for delayed departures. This applies to holders of visit or tourist visas, exit permits, and residents who have cancelled their UAE residency in preparation for departure. The exemption is effective from February 28, 2026, and any related penalties will be waived. 
      • Entry. Foreign residents whose UAE residence permits expired while they were outside the country can return to the United Arab Emirates without obtaining a new entry permit. This concession is effective until March 31, 2026. Once in the United Arab Emirates, affected residents will be permitted to regularize their immigration status without incurring any related penalties, where the permit expiry resulted from the current travel disruptions. 
      • Costs of housing covered. The UAE government will cover the costs of hosting and accommodating affected and stranded passengers during the operational adjustment period.
  • United Kingdom. There is a new concession and exemption for entry to the United Kingdom.
• Visa processing. Operations at consular posts in the region have been impacted. For the latest on a specific post's operational status, check the post website and announcements. In addition, operations at consular posts in other regions might also be impacted due to security concerns. For example, all Israeli consular posts have temporarily suspended services. 
• Government office operations. There may be government office operational interruptions and/or delays. For example, In Israel, government offices, including the Population Authority, are operating with reduced personnel and with limited services, which may result in delayed processing times.  
• Warnings. There are ‘shelter in place’ notifications for foreign nationals across the region.
• Emergency travel documents. Those who need travel documents or emergency passports should contact their local consular post. Those who have a second citizenship should contact both consular posts.

Impact

Foreign nationals should:

• Monitor government updates and register their presence at their respective embassy where requested/able. This article provides helpful links for European nationals seeking to register their presence.
• Monitor official communications from their respective governments closely.

Organizations should: 

• Connect your mobility, immigration, travel desk and security teams (identify senior point of contact).
• Confirm the location, safety, and wellbeing of employees and dependents across the Middle East. 
• Communicate to your foreign national population in the region to register their presence with their respective embassy for the latest advice from their respective governments. 
• Ensure you have up-to-date nationality, visa, dependent, and contact information for impacted populations. 
• Review upcoming business travel and assignments into and within the region, including contingency options. 
• Communicate clearly and regularly with affected employees, including escalation and emergency contacts. 
• Review policies on non-essential travel and align them with current government advisories. 
• Revisit relocation, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and remote work plans to ensure they remain operational. 

Looking ahead

The situation is fluid but is expected to escalate quickly and broadly in the region. Access the microsite here for more updates.

Fragomen is actively monitoring developments and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. We are available to discuss tailored scenario planning based on your workforce footprint.

This alert is provided for informational purposes only. Please contact your Fragomen immigration professional or click here to reach us if you have any questions.