In a landmark decision, the UAE has introduced a new regulation allowing working mothers to sponsor their children’s residency.
This change, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP-UAE), offers greater flexibility to families, especially when the family head violates residency laws. Effective immediately, this amendment enables mothers who hold valid employment and residency permits to take over the sponsorship of their children, providing a crucial safety net for many UAE families.
Previously, only the father or male head of the family could sponsor children’s residency in most cases. However, with the recent changes to residency transfer rules in the UAE, working mothers now have the legal right to sponsor their children.
This new provision is particularly beneficial for families where the mother is the primary breadwinner or when the father has lost legal residency status.
The Federal Authority’s decision reflects a growing trend in the UAE towards flexible family visa solutions. It also aligns with previous government initiatives to create a more inclusive and family-friendly environment.
Industry experts have lauded this step as a much-needed move, noting that it provides more security for children in the country.
What Working Mothers Should Know
For working mothers in the UAE, this change opens new possibilities:
- Eligibility: Mothers must hold valid employment and residency status in the UAE.
- Immediate Action: Families should promptly update their residency records, particularly if the father is no longer able to sponsor the children.
- Grace Period: The ICP-UAE has set a grace period for families to regularize their residency status, ending on October 31, 2024.
If you’re a working mother in the UAE, now is the time to review your family’s residency situation. Take advantage of this new law to ensure your children’s residency remains secure. Avoid penalties by acting before the grace period ends.
