As of October 21, widows, divorced women and their children will be subject to a new visa system. Divorced women and widows will be granted a one-year residency visa extension, with students studying post grade 12, who are sponsored by their parents, will be given a two-year visa. Visit visa holders can apply for a 30-day extension twice, without having to exit the UAE.
From the date of divorce, or the date of the death of a woman’s spouse, a one-year visa extension will be issued. The visa will no longer require a sponsor during this period.
According to the acting director of general foreigners affairs and ports, Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, "The aim is to give women the opportunity to adjust to their social and economic status after the loss of the head of the family.”
Visitors to the UAE can, from October 21, apply for two 30-day extensions without leaving the country. From the third time and onwards, each extension will be subject to a charge of Dhs 600.
University graduates and children who have completed grade 12 will be applicable to a one-year visa that is renewable for an additional year.