Navigating School Year During UAE Visa Cancellations
Children Completing School Year after Parent's Visa Cancellation in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to many expatriates who are not only seeking new opportunities for themselves but also for their families. However, life can be unpredictable, and unexpected job changes or corporate restructuring can lead to a parent's visa being canceled. In such cases, what happens to a child's school year if the parent's visa is canceled? Is it possible for the children to legally remain in the country to finish their school year?
The Process after Visa Cancellation in the UAE
UAE immigration laws strictly regulate the validity of visas and the processes following cancellation. Article 11 of the 2021 Federal Decree-Law No. (29) Regarding Entry and Residence of Aliens states that anyone remaining in the country illegally after their visa expires or is canceled can be fined for each day of unauthorized stay. The fine depends on the number of days spent illegally in the country, and its value is determined by the Cabinet.
It is important to note that the family members' visas also become invalid if the principal sponsor's visa is canceled. This process is specified under Article 54(3) of the Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022, which stipulates that the validity period of family members' visas must not exceed that of the principal sponsor's visa.
Grace Period after Visa Cancellation
In the UAE, a grace period usually follows visa cancellation, during which the person may legally stay in the country. The length of this period depends on the type of visa and is documented in the visa cancellation notice issued by the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. This period provides families with the opportunity to settle their affairs, seek new employment, or find alternative solutions.
Options for Completing the Child's School Year
If you wish for your children to complete their school year, several options are available:
Using your spouse's visa: If your spouse holds a visa sponsored by their employer, they can take over the sponsorship of the children's visas. This allows the children to remain legally in the country and complete their school year.
Visa 'suspension': If you are hopeful of finding new employment soon, there is a possibility to temporarily suspend the children's visas. This means the visas' validity is paused until a new job is found and you can sponsor your family members' visas again.
Requesting school assistance: Some schools are willing to assist expatriate families facing visa issues. It is worth contacting the school to discuss the available options.
Seeking GDRFA Assistance: The General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai can provide official guidance on the processes following visa cancellation. If you are uncertain about the next steps, consulting with them is advisable.
Important Considerations
Timing: The grace period after visa cancellation is usually limited, so it is crucial to take necessary actions as soon as possible.
Financial Planning: The cost of living in the UAE can be high, so it is wise to plan ahead to avoid financial difficulties.
Legal Advice: If you are unsure about the legal circumstances, it is beneficial to seek expert advice to avoid any legal issues.
Summary
The processes following visa cancellation in the UAE can be complex, but there are multiple options available for your children to complete their school year. Whether through utilizing your spouse’s visa, temporarily suspending visas, or collaborating with the school, the key is timely action and proper information gathering. Don't hesitate to reach out to the GDRFA or other experts to secure your family’s future in the UAE.
Expat life can be full of challenges, but with the right planning and information, these hurdles can be successfully overcome.
