Losing a job due to company restructuring can be challenging, especially when children are enrolled in school. If your UAE residency visa is canceled, you may be wondering how long you can legally stay in the country and whether there are options to extend your children’s residency until they complete the academic year.
Grace Period After Visa Cancellation
Under Article 11 of Federal Decree-Law No. (29) of 2021, individuals whose residency visas have been canceled or expired must either leave the country or face administrative fines for each day they overstay beyond the permitted grace period. The Council of Ministers determines the fine amount, so it is essential to adhere to the regulations to avoid penalties.
Additionally, Article 54(3) of Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 states that family members’ residency visas are directly linked to the sponsor’s visa. This means that once your visa expires or is canceled, your dependents’ visas will also expire, regardless of their initial validity period.
Options to Extend Your Family’s Stay
If your visa is canceled, you may remain in the UAE for the duration of the grace period stated in your visa cancellation document, which is typically issued by the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
Here are some potential solutions to extend your children's stay legally:
- Sponsor Change:
- If your wife holds an independent UAE residency visa, she may sponsor the children’s visas to allow them to complete their academic year.
- Visa Hold Option:
- You can place your children’s visas on hold while you seek new employment. Once you secure a new job, you can resume sponsorship under your new employer’s visa.
- Grace Period Utilization:
- Before canceling your residency visa, ensure you check the official grace period provided by the GDRFA Dubai, as some visas allow for extended stays before requiring renewal or exit.
For further guidance on the best course of action based on your situation, you may contact GDRFA Dubai to explore available options and ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws.
News Source: Khaleej Times
