The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers various opportunities to professionals from across the globe. The thriving economy and lucrative job market attract many, who, after settling in, often opt to bring their families along. This process involves obtaining a family or dependent visa. However, when switching jobs within the UAE, there are specific procedures to follow to ensure the legality and continuity of these visas. This article will guide you through how to hold a family visa in Dubai while transitioning between jobs.
Table of Contents
The Concept of Visa Hold
To begin, it’s essential to grasp the concept of visa hold. A family or dependent visa is usually sponsored by the primary visa holder, typically the family’s primary income earner. When changing jobs, one might need to ensure the family’s visa status remains intact throughout the transition. This can be done by placing the family or dependent visa on hold. The visa can be held for a maximum of 60 days.
Applying for the Family Visa Hold Service in UAE
The family visa hold service application can be made by visiting an Amer service center in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) service center in any other emirate.
The Procedure for Holding a Family Visa in UAE
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to place a family visa on hold in Dubai:
- Cancel Your Existing Labor Contract: Contact your current employer to cancel your labor contract. Keep the cancellation confirmation receipt, which will be required in the next step.
- Get the Job Offer Letter from the New Employer or Company: Contact your new employer and request a new job offer or contract letter through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). This letter should state your salary and job designation.
- Hold your Family Visa: Visit the Amer center or an ICA customer happiness center and request to hold your family visa and cancel your residence visa. You must pay a refundable security deposit and a visa hold service fee.
- Get your New Labor Contract and Visa Applied through Your New Employer: Share the visa and labor contract cancellation documents with your new employer and request them to start the new visa process.
- Clear the Family Visa Hold and Get the Security Deposit Refunded: Once your new employment visa is stamped or issued, the family visa hold will be automatically cleared from the system. Visit the immigration department in the Amer center with the visa hold security deposit receipt and a copy of the new residence visa. They will issue a refund of your security deposit.
Fees Involved in the Process
The fees for holding your family or dependent visa in Dubai involve a holding application fee, a refundable deposit, and an additional fee for more than one family member.
- Holding Application: AED 75
- Refundable Deposit: AED 2,500
- Additional Fee for More Than One Family Member: AED 100 per member
Also Read : How to check visa cancellation status in dubai
Travel During the Family Visa Hold Process
While the family visa is on hold, the visa holders cannot travel out of the UAE. The dependents must be present in the country during the entire process.
Unholding the Family Visa and Refund Procedure
Once your new employment visa is stamped on your passport, you can remove the hold on your family’s visa. Visit any of the Amer Centre or ICA Customer Happiness Centres and request that the hold be removed and the deposit amount be refunded.
Common Questions Regarding Holding a Family Visa in Dubai
Can We Hold a Family Visa in UAE?
An expatriate with a valid UAE residence visa can hold their family visa while transitioning between jobs, provided they have an offer from another company.
Can I Travel While My Visa is on Hold?
Family members whose visas are on hold cannot travel out of the UAE during the new visa process of their sponsor.
How Can I Unhold a Family Visa in UAE?
Once your new residence visa is stamped on your passport through your new employer, you can visit any Amer Centre or ICA Customer Happiness Centre and request to uphold the family visa and refund the deposit amount.
How Long Can You Hold a Family Visa in Dubai?
The family visa hold can be for a maximum period of 60 days.
Can You Put Your Family Visa on Hold If You Are Switching Jobs Between Emirates?
You cannot put your family visa on hold while switching jobs between Emirates. However, you can avail yourself of the service only in the emirate where you livelive.
Conclusion
Navigating the process of holding a family visa in Dubai while changing jobs can be complex, but it can be managed effectively with the correct information and guidance. Always communicate openly with your new employer, follow all legal procedures, and seek professional advice from the Amer Center or the ICA happiness center for any complexities. Doing so can ensure a smooth and legally compliant transition for you and your family.
