The UAE has introduced a new rule that permits employed mothers to sponsor their overstaying children if the father is either wanted by authorities or in violation of residency laws. The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) announced the update as part of a grace period allowing violators to adjust their residency status, which is set to end on October 30.
Under the new provision, families with overstaying members have the choice to either leave the country or rectify their status. The rule grants mothers the ability to take responsibility for their children’s residency, provided they are employed.
“These measures have been introduced to assist families in precarious situations, allowing children to remain in the UAE legally while their mothers manage their residency,” an ICP spokesperson explained.
If a family head chooses to leave the country, their residency will be canceled, but they can depart without penalties if they do so before the grace period expires. Alternatively, family members can stay and adjust their status under the mother’s sponsorship or through work visa channels.
The ICP urged families to take advantage of the grace period to avoid fines once it concludes. “Those who do not resolve their residency issues during this period will face penalties that were waived since the start of the grace period on September 1,” the ICP stated.
