Changing companies in Dubai is usually a simple affair for expats, especially if you are on a company-sponsored visa. But if you have dependents you are sponsoring, dealing with their visas is a complex process. Luckily, if dependents’ visas are at least three months valid, it is simple to put their visas on hold rather than dealing with the complex procedure of cancellation and re-issuance. This article shall give a comprehensive rundown of the documents, fees, and requirements involved in suspending a dependent visa in Dubai.
Grasping the Significance of Visa Management
During job change, expats mostly face different issues in relation to the residency status of their family members. However visits rules are subjected to guidelines provided by the UAE for visa management process and it is highly important to use those rules productively so that your family stays back here regardless of your change. As you have placed your dependents’ visas in hold status, you do not disrupt anything and can keep your family attending to their lives in the UAE while waiting for your new employment visa to be processed. This action not only streamlines the transition but also offers peace of mind.
Required Documents for Placing Visas on Hold
To place your dependents’ visas in abeyance, you will have to collect a set of significant documents. Every one of these documents is necessary to guarantee the process runs smoothly:
- Sponsor’s Original Emirates ID: This is proof of identity and residence in the UAE and an obligatory requirement for the process.
- Sponsor’s Passport Copy: You will require a clear copy of your passport for verification. Ensure the copy is readable and contains all details.
- Applicant’s Visa Copy: You will need a copy of your latest employment visa. The document ensures your legal status in the UAE.
- Dependants’ Passport Copies: Have copies of all dependents’ passports. They need to be valid and not expired.
- Offer Letter from the New Company: The letter must outline your salary, role, and occupation in the new position. It is evidence of your change of employment.
- IBAN Number of Sponsor’s Bank Account: This is necessary for any financial dealing concerning the visa holding process.
- Cancellation Form: This particular form is used to begin the process of suspending the visas. It should be completed in full and accurately.
Key Requirements to Remember
- When thinking about the process of holding dependents’ visas on hold, there are a number of key requirements that you have to follow:
- Holding Period: The longest period within which you can hold the visas is 60 days from the time when you put them on hold. This period gives you enough time to take control over the transition.
- Validity of Dependants’ Visas: It is essential that your dependents’ visas are valid for at least three more months at the time of applying for the hold. If their visas are close to expiration, this option may not be available to you.
- Presence in the UAE: It would be a good idea for dependants to be physically present in the country while their visas are on hold. It will ensure that everything goes smoothly while the application is being processed.
Costs Involved in the Process
Besides collecting the documents required, you should also factor in the costs involved in having your dependents’ visas placed on hold. It will enable you to budget accordingly:
Holding Fee: Placing a dependant’s visa on hold costs Dh300. With each additional dependant, there is an additional Dh100 charge. This tiered fee system implies that bigger families might pay more.
Deposit Requirement: A Dh5, 000 total deposits is needed for holding a maximum of five dependants throughout the holding period. The deposit is refundable subject to visa processing results.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Placing Dependent’s Visas on Hold
- Collect Necessary Documents: Make sure you have all the documents in place before you begin. Check for completeness and correctness.
- Go to an Amer Centre: Attend an Amer Customer Service Centre, which is empowered to conduct visa processes. It’s better to go during off-peak hours so you don’t have to wait for long.
- Submit the Documents: Hand over all the gathered documents and the cancellation form to the center staff. They will check your documents and help you with the proceedings.
- Pay the Fees: Make the payment for the holding fee and the deposit. Hold on to the receipt, as it will be needed later.
- Receive Confirmation: You will receive confirmation that the visas have been put on hold after your application has been processed. Please do ensure that you retain this confirmation.
Advantages of Placing Visas on Hold
Placing a Dubai dependent visa on hold has a number of advantages that will ease your transition and that of your family:
- Time-Saving: This method spares you the long and quite often complicated process of cancelling and re-issuing visas. It simplifies your switch.
- Family Stability: Having your family stay in the UAE while you switch jobs brings emotional and practical stability, and you can concentrate on your new job without being concerned about their status.
- Cost-Effective: By choosing the visa hold over complete cancellations and reapplications, you can avoid possible reapplication fees for the visa and other related costs.
Conclusion
Caring about a dependent visa held in Dubai will, too, make your own transition easier while changing jobs. This means you will know what documents are needed, what the costs are and what the process entail making it a hassle free experience for not only you, but your family as well. That is money and time saving as well as you have piece of the mind to concentrate on your new job without an additional worry of handling your dependents’ residency standing.
