New visa rules for widows, divorcees, children and students come into effect

Widows, divorcees, children and students will benefit from changes to residency visa laws that come into effect from today.

Divorcees and widows now have the option to apply for a one-year residency visa without the need for a sponsor.

Students who have completed university or high school, or who are aged 18 or above, can also apply for residency for a year. This is renewable for a further 12 months.

There are also changes for those leaving the UAE.

New entry permits will now be issued with up to two 30-day extensions without the need for people to first leave the country.

Authorities say the new visas rules would be subject to conditions, such as widows or divorcees being able to financially support themselves.

Brig Saeed Al Rashidi, acting director general of the Foreigners Affairs and Ports Department, said widows, divorcees and children, must have their “residency visas sponsored by the deceased or former husband at the time of death or divorce”.

Brig Al Rashidi said that women would have to prove to officials that they had a level of financial independence.

Previously, divorced and widowed women who did not have an employment visa would have to leave the country soon after their divorce or the death of their husband.

The introduction of the rules follows sweeping reforms made by the Cabinet in June.

The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and it made eight decisions to boost the country’s economic competitiveness, enhance tourism and keep the best students here.

Other changes meant that people who entered the UAE illegally were given the chance to leave voluntarily with a “no entry” stamp for two years if they provided a valid return ticket.

The UAE and Russia also agreed to visa-free travel between both countries, opening new horizons for tourism, investment and trade.

New entry permits will now be issued with up to two 30-day extensions