Dubai not to fine stranded tourists

Dubai: People stranded in Dubai due to Iceland's volcanic eruption will not be penalised for overstaying their visas, said a senior official of the Ministry of the Interior.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, told Gulf News yesterday that those people whose flight reservations were cancelled due to the volcano, would not be fined for their unintentional overstay.

"We want to help and make it easy for stranded people," he said.

Major General Al Merri said the residency department is working with airlines to help make the extra stay for those stranded here as smooth as possible.