At the amnesty center in Al Awir, Dubai. GDRFA

Employed mothers in the UAE can now sponsor their overstaying children in cases where the father is either wanted by authorities or in violation of residency laws, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). This new provision is part of the grace period allowing violators to rectify their residency status, which runs until October 30. The ICP explained that families whose head is wanted or an overstayer, along with other family members who have overstayed, have the option to either leave the country or adjust their residency status. This new rule gives mothers the ability to sponsor their children under specific circumstances if they are employed. "These measures have been introduced to assist families in precarious situations, allowing children to remain in the UAE legally while their mothers, who are employed, take responsibility for their residency," said an ICP spokesperson. The ICP clarified that if the head of the family wishes to leave the country, the family members' residency will be canceled, but they can depart without fines if they do so before the grace period ends. However, if family members opt to stay and rectify their status, they can remain in the country through the mother's sponsorship or by following work visa guidelines. The ICP emphasized the importance of overstayers utilizing this grace period to legalize their stay. "Violators should take advantage of this period to avoid future penalties," the ICP statement read. Those who fail to rectify their status will face the reintroduction of fines previously waived since the grace period began on September 1. The ICP urged families to resolve their residency issues promptly to avoid further complications after the grace period expires. ICA/Expat Media
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