The UAE will implement new visa rules for students, visitors, widows and divorcees effective 21 October, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has confirmed.
Under the rules, announced earlier this year, the residency visa for widows and divorced women and their children will be extended for a year without a sponsor starting from the date of the death of the husband or the date of the divorce.
Residency visas of students sponsored by their parents will also be renewed for a year after they complete their university or high school or on reaching the age of 18. This will further be renewable for another 12 months.
Meanwhile, those on a visit or tourist visas will be granted an extension of up to 60 days (30-day visa extension twice) without having to leave the country.
However, Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting director-general of the Foreigners Affairs and Ports Department at the ICS cautioned that the new visa rules will be subject to conditions and regulations, official news agency WAM reported.
“The widow or divorced woman and their children must have had their residency visas sponsored by the deceased or former husband at the time of death or divorce,” he said.
He also clarified that residency visas should be valid at the time of death or divorce and that the children’s residency period does not exceed that of the mother.
Brigadier Al Rashidi also emphasised that the woman must have the financial ability to support the family.
He clarified that the ICA will collect fees for the services.
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