Previously barred categories of expatriates now allowed sponsoring families in UAE

In a major move 57 categories of expatriate workers who had previously been barred in UAE from sponsoring their children and family members can now do so by depositing Dh5,000 per person, a senior Ministry of Interior official has said. Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, Monday that 57 categories of workers previously barred from sponsoring family members' residence visas would now be able to do so.

"Previously, some professions such as drivers, bakers, tailors and cooks were not allowed to sponsor their family members, regardless of how much money they earned. Now we have solved their issues by allowing them to sponsor their families if they pay the required deposit," Major General Al Menhali said. He said the decision applied mostly to low-skilled and semi-skilled workers.

The affected categories include welders, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, plumbers, mechanics, laundry workers, car washers, grocers, sales people, butchers and construction workers.

In January 2009 About 57 categories of expatriates will be restricted from sponsoring their families even if they earn the minimum required salary. The following categories are included:

* Cooks (Arabic cuisine cook, continental cuisine cook, falafel maker, sweets maker, pastry maker, assistant cook)

* Certain skilled categories like welder, blacksmith, goldsmith, plumber, tile worker, painter (automobile painter), engine worker, assistant mechanic

* Laundry worker, car washer, grave digger, grocer, salesman, waiters, office boys, butcher

* Makeup man, hairdresser, barber, tailor, decoration jobs

* Drivers (pickup driver and private drivers)

* Trainers like falcon trainer and private tutor.

* Guards

* Laborer (construction workers)