This is a collection of answers provided by Major General
Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the General Department for
Residency and Foreigners' Affairs in Dubai, likely from a period before the
most recent visa law changes.
I have updated the information with current regulations
where applicable, especially regarding salary requirements and the sponsoring
of a single parent, as UAE laws have evolved significantly.
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Current UAE Residency Rules: A 2025 Update
The following is broad information on the questions, with
updated details based on the latest UAE residency laws (as of late 2024/2025).
1. Job Change (Employment Ban)
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: You need to complete two years at the
existing job. People can change work from private to government or
semi-government without the need to complete two years. |
Update: Under the current labour law, the concept
of a mandatory six-month employment ban is largely removed for those on
unlimited contracts, especially if the employee gives notice as per the
contract. NOC is generally NOT required for an employee to switch to a
new employer after completing the probationary period or if the contract is
unlimited and they follow notice period rules. A worker can switch to a
government/semi-government job without restriction. Final confirmation
should always be checked with the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratisation (MoHRE). |
2. Sponsoring Parents-in-Law
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: You can apply for visa for them and
obtain one-year residence visa. |
Update: You can generally sponsor your parents-in-law
for a one-year residence visa (renewable), provided you meet the
required salary and accommodation criteria. This process is often treated as
a special request and requires specific documentation. The process may be
easier in Dubai (GDRFA) and Abu Dhabi (ICP/TAMM). |
3. Maximum Stay Outside the UAE
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: They have to enter the country before the
end of the six months. According to the Federal Residency Law the residence
permit granted to a foreigner shall be deemed as cancelled if the period of
his/her stay outside the UAE exceeds six months. |
Update: This rule has a significant EXEMPTION
for holders of the Golden Visa. For standard residency visa holders,
the rule that a visa is cancelled if the stay outside the UAE exceeds six
months still generally applies. They must re-enter before the 180-day
mark. |
4. Sponsoring Mother: Salary Requirement
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: To sponsor family members your salary
should be Dh 10,000 and you should be of job category who can sponsor family
members and you need to pay deposit Dh 5,000 and the visa will be valid for
one year only and it can be renewed. |
Update (Critical Change): The requirement to
sponsor parents is often AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 per month (varies by
Emirate/circumstance). You are no longer required to be in a specific job
category. The key requirements are: * Salary: $\text{AED 10,000 -
AED 15,000}$ (varies). * Sponsor Both Parents: You must generally
sponsor both parents together. * Single Parent: If you wish to sponsor
only your mother, you must provide official, attested proof that the
other parent is deceased or legally divorced/separated (as per the question
below). * Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 5,000
per parent is usually required. * Duration: The visa is granted for one
year, renewable annually. * Health Insurance: Mandatory valid
health insurance for the parent(s) for the entire duration of the visa. |
5. Sponsoring a Single Parent (Mother only)
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: As per current UAE laws, one needs to
sponsor both the parents... You need to sponsor them both or to prove that
they are separated or one of the passed away. |
Update (Confirmation of Rule): This rule remains
largely true. To sponsor only one parent (like your mother), you must provide
attested legal documents to justify it. Required documents may
include: * An Attested Death Certificate (if the father is deceased).
* An Attested Divorce Certificate (if they are divorced). * An Affidavit/Certificate
of Sole Support from your country's consulate in the UAE, attested by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), stating that you are her sole provider
and there is no one else to care for her in the home country. |
6. Health Issues (HB Positive)
|
Original Answer |
Updated Information (2025) |
|
Original: The residents’ visa will be issued or
renewed depending on the medical report if it stated that the person is fit
then the residents’ visa will be issued. |
Update: Medical fitness rules have been updated and
are subject to change. For a residency visa renewal, testing for Hepatitis B
is generally not required, unless the worker is in one of the specific
categories (like those in nurseries, health sector, or food handlers) where
mandatory testing is required. For a new residence visa, a medical
fitness test including tests for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) is mandatory for
those over 18. Active Pulmonary TB is a cause for rejection and
deportation. |
If you have a specific, new question about your situation,
please let me know and I will try to find the most current and relevant
information.
Is there a specific question you have based on these
updated rules, or would you like me to research the current MoHRE rules
regarding your ability to change jobs?
