DUBAI, UAE, Oct 14: Good news for families facing residency challenges in the UAE. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP-UAE) has announced significant amendments to residency visa laws that will now allow working mothers to sponsor their children’s residency in situations where the family head is found to be a residency violator.

Effective immediately, this change aims to provide greater stability and security for families living in the UAE. Under the new regulations, if the head of a family violates residency laws, the residency sponsorship of their children can be transferred to the mother, provided she is employed and holds a valid residency permit. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for families where the mother is the primary earner, ensuring that children can maintain their legal residency status in the country.

The ICP-UAE clarified that if the family head wishes to leave the UAE with their family, they must apply for exit permits. This provision allows them to exit the country without incurring fines during the ongoing grace period for regularizing their residency status, which is set to end on October 31, 2024.

This announcement is part of broader efforts to create a more flexible legal environment within the UAE. As the deadline approaches, the ICP-UAE has emphasized the importance of taking advantage of this period to rectify any residency issues. After October 31, strict measures will be implemented to address violations, including fines and potential deportation for non-compliance.

This amendment reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of families, ensuring that working mothers can effectively contribute to their households while safeguarding their children's residency rights.