Visa issues United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Question

Hi,

I am moving with my husband to the UAE beginning of September and we are not sure if the way we are doing it is legally the right way.

My husband will work for a British company. So far the visas are not processed yet, but we will enter DUBAI beginning of September while the visas are still being processed and my husband will start working in ABU DHABI right away. We plan to live in DUBAI though. While my residence visa will be in process I will look for a job in DUBAI and plan to start working immediately once I found something. Does that work with the laws of the UAE?

We have never been in touch with our PRO yet and don’t know who it is, do you think we could ask the company to talk to him? Or do you know anybody (law firm etc) we could ask for a consultation?

If you know whether the way we are doing it is the right way (it is the way the company suggested it) please let us know.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Regarding the new visa rules (since 1st. of Aug) your husband is suppose to enter the UAE holding an employment visa (good for 30 days) and you as a US (?) passport holder can obtain a visa up on arrival. This will be good for 30 days and can be renewed once for another 30 days.

After your husband received his residence visa he will be able to sponsor you and you will receive your residence visa. You can look for a suitable job and get employed by staying under your husband's visa.

Working while under a visit visa is considered being illegal. But - do not worry, if your visas are under process everything will go it's way. The company's PRO will take care of it. Just have all necessary paperwork ready for him. You should not be working while being under a visit visa. Wait until you received your residence visa. Reason: your husband got hired while being outside of the UAE. You will receive a local contract. In case you'll land a job with an employer who does not accept female employees working under husband's sponsorship, youll have to leave the country and come back receiving an employment visa.

The company I work for hired some people who will enter the UAE on visit visas and they will start working also right away on 1st of Sept. They got hired before the new visa regulations took place in in August (vacation time) nothing could be accomplished.

Are you sure that you want to live in Dubai while your husband is working in Abu Dhabi? Please be aware that he will be on the street for around (depending where you'll live in Dubai) 4 hours daily.

Take care and good luck!