According to a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, UAE residents can now renew residency visas of their 18-year old dependents for up to two consecutive years, irrespective of whether they are secondary school or university graduates.
This implies that the Residence Permit would now be valid for a one year period, and can be renewed every additional year. The dependents would be eligible for this benefit from the date of completion of their secondary education, or after just having graduated from the university, or on reaching the age of 18 years.
The authority announced that it is not necessary for guardians to apply under humanitarian appeals, which otherwise requires a deposit of Dh.5000.
The applicants can apply through any of the Residency and Naturalization offices, or other government-approved outlets for a fee of Dh.100 for residency permits, or their renewal for a year.
Documents required
Residents can submit supporting documents such as certificate of general secondary education or graduation certificate, details of the university from which their dependents have graduated (within or outside UAE), duly certified by their alma mater.
Visa Fees
No tourist visa fees would be charged for children below 18 years of age, who are accompanying their parents to the UAE. Tourists can also take advantage of the latest visa fee waiver rules from 15th July to 15th September every year.
The authority mentioned that these facilities are inclusive of those below 18 years, provided, they are accompanied by their parent, irrespective of the duration of their parent’s visa.
The authority announced that it would launch a campaign next week to define exemptions granted to tourists and how to obtain them during the mentioned period, including distribution of explanatory leaflets at the country’s airports and border ports, through concerned bodies like state’s tourism agencies, travel and tourism offices and national carriers.
The authority also explained that those wishing to benefit from these facilities can apply through the authority’s electronic channels (https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html) or through its smart application via UAE echannels.
They can fill the family tourism visa with parents’ data and then add the children and their data through the system. When applying, the applicant should show proof of age.
Tourists who wish to come on visit visa can apply for family travel visas through the approved travel and tourism office in their countries, and through the offices of UAE national carriers such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai and Air Arabia, and benefit from the exemption.
Based on the long-term residency rules announced earlier, outstanding students are even eligible for a five-year renewable residency visa.
Apart from facilitating the procedures and executing transactions, the authority has instructed officials at the entry points of the country to receive them with a smile, as it represents the humanitarian and cultural tradition of the country, and its readiness to welcome various people and cultures from across the world.
