A new amendment to visa rules announced by the UAE Cabinet, will allow foreign workers to sponsor their families in the country based on their ‘income’ status as opposed to previously listed provision of ‘profession’ status.
According to a statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, the amendment is in line with international developments and practices, and the new amendment will enhance professional and personal life balance of expatriates and make UAE an attractive option for highly skilled workers.
Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, commented, “The decision of the UAE Cabinet to consider the income of foreign workers that apply to bring their family members to the country, rather than their profession, will improve the family lives and social ties of private sector workers.”
Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said, “The decision will strengthen family stability by enabling foreign workers to legally bring their families to the country based on security, economic and social laws, which will achieve their happiness and the happiness of their families.”
The specific rule on how much income’ one needs to earn to sponsor the family has not been released as yet.