Step-by-Step Guide: Mothers Sponsoring Their Children in the UAE

In the UAE, mothers can sponsor their children under certain conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to help mothers navigate the sponsorship process:

1. Ensure Eligibility

Before starting the process, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your child. Generally, the following requirements apply:

• Residency Status: The mother must be a legal resident in the UAE, holding either an employment visa, a valid residency visa, or a dependent visa.
• Income Requirement: In some cases, the mother may be required to meet a minimum monthly salary threshold. This is typically around AED 4,000 to AED 4,500 or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided, but it can vary.
• Nationality: While UAE mothers can sponsor children without restriction, foreign mothers might have additional requirements based on their nationality.
• Age of the Child: Generally, children can be sponsored until they reach the age of 18. For sons, the sponsorship can be extended until they turn 21 if they are in full-time education.

2. Obtain Required Documents

To sponsor your child, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Mother’s Passport Copy (with valid visa status in the UAE).
• Mother’s Emirates ID (for UAE residents).
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable, to prove legal relationship to the child).
• Child’s Birth Certificate (translated into Arabic, if necessary).
• Passport Copy of the Child (if the child is abroad).
• Passport-sized photographs of the child.
• Proof of Residence (like a tenancy contract or utility bills).
• Medical Insurance for the child (if applicable).

3. Submit Application to the Immigration Department

The sponsorship application is usually submitted through the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant immigration authority in the emirate where the mother resides.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the sponsorship application form on the GDRFA website or at their service center.
2. Submit the Documents: Submit all the required documents, including those listed above.
3. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable fees for residency sponsorship. Fees vary depending on the visa type and the number of dependents.

4. Medical Examination and Health Insurance

For children above 18 years (if applicable), a medical fitness examination may be required, especially if the child is in the UAE for extended periods. Additionally, ensure the child is covered by health insurance, which is a common requirement for residency.

5. Wait for Approval

Once you submit your application, the authorities will process the request. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes between 3 to 10 working days. If the documents are in order and the requirements are met, the residency visa for the child will be approved.

6. Stamping the Visa

If the child is outside the UAE, once the sponsorship is approved, the child’s visa will be issued and must be stamped in their passport at the UAE embassy or consulate in their home country.

If the child is already in the UAE, the residency visa will be stamped in their passport after approval. The child will then receive a residence permit valid for 1-3 years, depending on the mother’s visa status and employment contract.

7. Collect the Residency Visa

Once approved, the child’s residency visa will be issued. The mother should visit the relevant immigration department or service center to collect the residency permit.

8. Renewing the Sponsorship

A mother must ensure that she renews her child’s residency visa before it expires. The renewal process typically requires the same documents and fees as the initial application.

Important Notes

• Employment Visa Conditions: For mothers who are employed, it’s crucial to check with their employer about any specific sponsorship policies. Some employers may require the mother to have been employed for a certain period before they can sponsor dependents.
• Unmarried Mothers: If the mother is unmarried, there might be additional legal requirements or restrictions depending on her nationality and the UAE’s laws on family sponsorship.
• Schooling for Children: For children who are above 18 and enrolled in full-time education, the mother can request a continuation of sponsorship. However, proof of enrollment in an educational institution may be required.

Final Thoughts

Sponsoring a child as a mother in the UAE is possible and straightforward if all requirements are met. By preparing the necessary documents, meeting income criteria, and following the correct procedure, mothers can successfully sponsor their children for residency in the UAE.

Always check for any updates to regulations or requirements, as these may change from time to time.