In a significant move hailed as a step forward for social stability, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a compassionate new visa regulation. The updated rule provides a crucial safety net for foreign women in the UAE whose residency status is suddenly jeopardized by the death of a spouse or the breakdown of a marriage.
Here is a breakdown of the new provisions designed to offer essential time and support to widows and divorced women residing in the Emirates.
A Year of Stability, Sponsor-Free
The core of the new regulation is the issuance of a one-year residence permit for foreign widows and divorced women. This permit is notable because it removes the immediate requirement for a local sponsor, offering a critical window of autonomy.
The one-year visa extension is intended to give women the necessary time to adjust their social and economic status without the immediate pressure of having to leave the country.
Who is Eligible?
The new residency option is available to women who meet the following conditions:
- Status Change: The woman must have been under the sponsorship of her husband at the time of his death or divorce.
- Application Window: The application for the extension must be submitted within six months from the date of the divorce or the death of the spouse.
- In-Country Requirement: The woman must still be within the UAE at the time of the application.
Crucially, the new rule also specifies that in all cases, applicants must demonstrate proof of financial solvency and adequate housing.
Protection for Children
In a move to ensure family stability and minimize disruption, the one-year visa extension also applies to any children of the marriage who were under the father’s sponsorship. The children’s residency period will be aligned with the extended visa of the mother.
Legal experts have praised this move, noting that it allows children to continue their education and maintain a stable family life during an emotionally difficult transition period.
Application Process and Fees
The process to obtain this extension is streamlined, though it requires specific documentation:
- Required Documents: An official divorce certificate or the husband’s death certificate, a valid Emirates ID, proof of medical fitness (for the mother and children over 18), and proof of a place of residence (such as a tenancy agreement) must be submitted.
- Visa Cancellation: Applicants are required to cancel the previous residency visa tied to the husband’s sponsorship.
- Cost: A nominal fee is charged by the relevant authority for the extension and the cancellation of the existing visa.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has clarified that this visa is generally renewable once for a similar period, subject to defined conditions.
Conclusion
The introduction of the one-year, sponsor-free residency for widows and divorced women is a major humanitarian development in the UAE’s immigration policy. By offering a stable grace period, the government is demonstrating a commitment to social cohesion and the well-being of its residents, giving women the peace of mind and the necessary time to seek employment, arrange new sponsorship, or make long-term decisions about their future in the country. This policy ensures that a family crisis does not immediately become an immigration crisis.
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Disclaimer
This information is based on the official guidelines for the UAE visa regulations. While we strive for accuracy, travel and immigration laws are subject to frequent change. All individuals affected by these rules should check the latest information directly with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the relevant government directorate for residency and foreign affairs in their Emirate for the most current details and specific application requirements.
