The United Arab Emirates has established clear legal provisions protecting the residency status of women following marital dissolution, according to immigration experts. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which implements the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners, women residing in the UAE on spouse-sponsored visas retain specific rights when marriages end.
Legal authorities confirm that divorced women become eligible to apply for a dedicated one-year residency extension commencing from the official divorce date. This provision offers crucial transition time for affected women to regularize their immigration status independently. Importantly, the regulation explicitly states that former husbands cannot be legally compelled to continue sponsoring their ex-wives’ visas beyond this transitional period.
The legal framework does maintain provisions for children’s residency, allowing fathers to continue sponsoring their children’s visas irrespective of marital status changes. This distinction between parental and spousal obligations provides clarity for families navigating post-divorce arrangements.
Legal professionals recommend that women in this situation seek comprehensive counsel to understand all rights stemming from divorce proceedings, including potential maintenance provisions, child custody arrangements, and alimony considerations under applicable personal status laws. The UAE’s dual legal system addresses these matters through Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status for Muslims and Federal Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for non-Muslims.
For specific immigration queries, individuals are advised to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs directly for official guidance tailored to their particular circumstances.