In a surprising move, Dubai’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has announced sponsorship rules for Muslim residents in the UAE. Under this Muslim residents will now be allowed to sponsor two wives simultaneously.
To obtain a residence visa for their wives and children, residents must submit a certified marriage contract in Arabic or a translation by a sworn and certified translator. Unmarried daughters can be sponsored by their father regardless of age, while male sons can be sponsored until the age of 25. If they are pursuing higher education, sponsorship can continue after the age of 25, as per the government’s guidelines.
To avoid penalties, it is mandatory to obtain a residence permit for newborns within 120 days of their birth. The UAE government has emphasized this requirement.
In a recent update, the ICP has outlined specific requirements for sponsoring stepchildren from a spouse’s previous marriage. These include obtaining a statement of consent from the biological father and submitting a deposit as a guarantee amount. Initially, the residency period for stepchildren under these circumstances is one year, with the option for annual renewal.
The ICP has provided a list of eight essential documents required to initiate the sponsorship process for spouses and children. These include the residence visa application, which can be completed online or through authorized typing offices. Additionally, copies of the sponsor’s and sponsored persons’ passports, photographs with a white background for the spouse and children, the original certificate of medical fitness for individuals above 18, a copy of the husband’s employment or company contract (if applicable), a valid work permit for the sponsor, a certificate of the husband’s salary, and an attested lease contract are necessary.
It is important to note that family residence permits are closely linked to the sponsor’s residency status, as the sponsor serves as either the head of the family or the guarantor. If the sponsor’s residency is canceled, the residency of family members is also terminated. However, a grace period of six months is provided during which family members must secure new residency permits or make arrangements to leave the country.
The ICP has also highlighted that failure to renew or cancel the residency visas of family members may result in the sponsor being subject to specified financial penalties.
