UAE Sponsorship Dilemma: Father Relocates Abroad

Sponsoring a Family in UAE: What Happens if the Father Moves to Another Country?

Foreign nationals living and working in the United Arab Emirates often sponsor their immediate family members, including wives and children. The visa regulations allow one parent, typically the father, to provide residency permits for their family if they meet the required income and employment criteria. But what happens if the father receives a job offer from another country, such as Saudi Arabia, and decides to relocate while the family remains in the UAE for a while?

This situation might affect several families, particularly in cases where children are still in the middle of a school year or the family cannot immediately move together for other reasons. In the following, we detail the options and rules applicable in such cases.

What Happens if the Sponsor Leaves the Country?

Under current regulations, family members' residency permits are valid only as long as the sponsor's. This means that if the father (the sponsor) leaves the UAE and his visa is revoked, the visas of his wife and children automatically expire, even if they were theoretically valid for a longer period.

This is in line with Article 54, Paragraph (3) of Cabinet Decision No. 65/2022, which states:

“The residence permit of family members shall be valid for the same period as the sponsor's and shall in no event exceed that term.”

Therefore, if the father leaves the country and his visa is terminated, family members' permits automatically expire.

What Happens if Visas are Not Renewed in Time?

According to Article 11 of Federal Decree-Law No. 29/2021 on the entry and residence of foreigners, anyone who resides in the country illegally after their visa has expired must pay an administrative fine for every day of illegal stay. This fine is automatically applicable, with the amount determined by the cabinet. In practice, these daily penalties can add to significant amounts over weeks or months.

Possible Solutions if the Family Wishes to Stay in the UAE

1. The Mother Becomes the Sponsor

If the wife is employed and has sufficient income, she may take over the sponsorship role, meaning she can apply for her own and the children's visas. However, strict requirements must be met:

- A specified income level (e.g., at least 4,000–8,000 dirhams monthly)

- Provision of adequate housing

- Proof of official employment in the UAE

This is the most straightforward solution if the mother holds a work visa and has adequate income.

2. Residency Visa Without a Sponsor

Although uncommon, in some cases, the wife or children may obtain independent residency permits. Such cases might require support from the embassy or consulate of the country of origin, especially if the children remain in the country for educational reasons. Some embassies may intercede with the authorities and request temporary solutions on a “discretionary” basis.

3. Tourist Visa Option

As a last resort, a tourist visa may be considered, especially if the stay is short (e.g., 2-3 months). However, this does not grant full rights, such as attending school, and is not a long-term solution. Moreover, it cannot be automatically converted into a residency visa within the UAE – meaning, the type of visa can only be changed under certain conditions.

What to Do Before the Visa Expires?

If the father has already received the job offer and is sure about leaving the country, the visa cancellations must be arranged in advance. This is not only a legal obligation but simplifies the transition to another sponsor (e.g., the mother). Timing is crucial since once the sponsor visa expires, the new visa application cannot be initiated from the same basis.

It is advisable to coordinate school enrollment, health insurance, and other administrative matters in advance, especially if the children want to stay until April.

Helpful Steps:

- Check the current visa expiration dates for all family members.

- Contact the UAE Immigration Office for specific actions.

- Explore if the wife qualifies to apply for visas for herself and the children.

- Inquire with the embassy or consulate about possible discretionary solutions.

- Plan ahead and gather documents (pay stubs, lease agreements, school documents, employment contracts, etc.)

Summary

The UAE’s visa regulations are clear: once the sponsor's visa expires, the family members' permits also expire. After the father moves to another country, the family can legally remain only if another sponsor assumes this role – ideally the wife. If that is not possible, embassies, tourist visas, or other visa types can provide temporary solutions. The key is foresight, adherence to legal frameworks, and active communication with the authorities, ensuring that children can complete their studies in the UAE and the family remains legally secure during the transitional period.

(The article's source is based on Article 11 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 29/2021.)

img_alt: Entry stamp for customs control in the United Arab Emirates.