Introduction about family visa in Dubai
Dubai has, very recently, been one of the favourite destinations that expatriates prefer to immigrate to since it offers impressive jobs, fantastic infrastructural amenities, and superb living standards. Most expatriates, dwelling in Dubai are interested in arranging for their family to join them there so they can be in close proximity. In this regard, the new family visa policy of the UAE government is expected to be much easier for residents in terms of sponsoring their families. The flexibility and inclusivity nature of the policy ensured removal of several earlier existing restrictions from eligibility to sponsor.
New Family Visa Rule: An Overview
This has made it easier and more accessible. Perhaps the most critical aspect of the new rules concerning family visas is when they abolish the profession-based requirement for the sponsorship of members of a family. From now on, any resident holding a valid UAE visa and a decent income will be able to sponsor his or her family, irrespective of the job title. This would further drive diversity in the workforce of Dubai and encourage more families to settle in the UAE.
Family Visa Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a family visa, a sponsor must:
Have a valid UAE residence visa.
Meet the minimum income requirement.
Provide appropriate accommodation for dependents.
Only a few professions, such as doctors, engineers, and teachers, were allowed to sponsor their families earlier. Now, any resident in Dubai who legally works and fulfills the required salary can take his dependents with him to Dubai.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
A family member can be sponsored under the new rules of the family visa as follows:
Sons: Sons are allowed to be sponsored until he is 25 years old. Initially, there was a limit at 18 years; but an exception in this case includes if they happen to be schooling either within UAE or abroad.
Daughters: There is no limit for daughters, whether the daughter is already married or otherwise.
Parents: One can sponsor parents provided the resident himself is meeting the salary criterion which is higher, besides ensuring there is ample accommodation to stay.
Documents Required
To apply for a family visa in Dubai, the sponsor has to submit the following documents:
Copy of the passport of the sponsor and dependents
Emirates ID of the sponsor
Valid UAE residence visa
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
Salary certificate from the employer
Attested marriage and birth certificates for spouse and children
All these documents ensure that the sponsor is economically sound and strong enough to support dependents in the UAE.
Medical and Insurance Requirements
All family members must be fit and pass the medical fitness tests for eligibility to apply for a residence visa. There are specific tests conducted to diagnose infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Moreover, all family members must be covered by health insurance, following a UAE law requirement.
Application Process
Below is an application process for a family visa:
Application for Entry Permit: The sponsor first needs to apply for an entry permit online on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or by visiting a TASHEEL center.
Medical Fitness Test: Once the entry permit is approved, the adult applicant is required to take a medical fitness test at any government-approved medical center.
Health Insurance: The sponsor has to ensure that dependents are covered with health insurance.
Emirates ID Application: After medical checkup, the applicant applies for an Emirates ID.
Visa Validity and Renew
Family visas are typically issued for one, two, or three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type and the chosen duration. The renewal process requires:
Updated copies of required documents
Medical fitness test (if applicable)
Payment of renewal fees
A key update in the new rules is the introduction of a longer grace period for visa renewals. This allows families more time to complete the renewal process without facing penalties.
Impact of the New Rule
Under the new family visa rules, expatriates in Dubai stand to gain much in the following ways:
Ease of Sponsorship: The abolition of the profession-based restriction frees up more residents to bring in their families.
Financial Relief: Lowering of the income threshold makes it relatively cheaper for families to live in Dubai together.
Stability: Longer visa duration and flexible renewal policies ensure that expatriates enjoy better security and stability.
These changes reflect the commitment of Dubai to a more inclusive and family-friendly environment that attracts skilled professionals and long-term residents to the UAE.
Conclusion
These new family visa rules in Dubai made the process of application easier and convenient for the expatriates. The profession-based restrictions have been removed; salary requirements are low, and the renewal periods are extended to more families reunited and settled in the UAE. In this manner, if all the documents are in place, the applicants would go through the hassle-free and smooth visa process.
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