Q: Grace period was granted to divorced women in the past as part of the divorcee visa but I am unsure if the law is still active as of today… A: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) grants a one-year extension on residence visas to divorced or widowed women living in the country on their husband's visas…

Yes, Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) grants a one-year extension on residence visas to divorced or widowed women living in the country on their husband's visas. The extension on the visa also applies to children who were under their father's visa.

Can the visa of the wife be extended after losing the husband sponsorship?

Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

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The rights of the wife for maintenance and residency after divorce

Q: Hi, I am living in the UAE with my husband. (We're married Islamically). We moved to the UAE for a job opportunity for him and I followed, giving up my career. We have been separated for 4 months but still living together in separate rooms. The plan was to try to work on ourselves and move forward. When we first moved to the UAE, it was challenging for me to find an opportunity in my studied field and I went into another profession. I have recently put in my notice at my job for the betterment of what's left of my marriage. I planned to find another job in the coming months. Two months ago I found out that my husband cheated and has been involved with another woman. As I am under his sponsorship (residency), do I have rights in the UAE should we get divorced? That is to stay, look for another job or for him to pay a sort of maintenance to me until I find another job?

Apr 28, 2019

2019

The consequences of canceling wife's visa after divorce

Q: Hi sir/madam, I was married and before divorce, my wife did her visa under my name (that I'm her sponsor). 8 months passed since we got divorced and she is still under my visa. If I will cancel her visa, what will happen? Who will pay fees if she will overstay? Currently, she is not working.

Nov 24, 2021

2852

Visa status of the wife after divorcing her sponsoring husband

Q: What would be my visa status after divorcing my husband in Dubai? Since I am on his visa he says that I can continue to remain on his visa, but he got me into this country with our marriage certificate from India under the Special Marriage Act. Thank you.

Mar 17, 2018

8107

Ex-wife hasn't left the UAE after the divorce. Should I file for her absconding?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My divorce was finalized in the UAE, and her visa was canceled, giving her 60 days to leave. However, I discovered that she hasn't left or converted her visa. I checked with the typing center and found out about the fine. I tried calling her, but she was not responding. Should I file for her absconding?

Apr 6, 2024

136

Laws & Regulations

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Federal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status

UAE Personal Status Law (also known as Personal Affairs Law) governs marriage, divorce, inheritance and other personal affairs in the United Arab Emirates. The law equally applies to citizens of the UAE and non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his home country law.

Nov 19, 2005

49087

Premium

Alawi Al Jaberi

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I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact?

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Charged in a fight case marked as a "temporary matter." What does it mean?

Hello, I have a criminal case for fighting, and it is now in prosecution. The decision shows “a temporary matter” as both parties are accused. What does it mean? I have not received a call from the prosecution yet.

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Is a bounced rent cheque case considered a criminal record for U.S. visa applications?

Hello, My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal. Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter? If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?

Apr 15, 2025

If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied?

A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card. Is a travel ban automatically applied? I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case. Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban. If there is a travel ban, how do I find out? I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me. Please advise if you know.

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163

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Khaled Ebid

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I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact?

Mar 25, 2025

Changed my mind before signing the lease agreement. Are my post-dated rent checks at risk?

Hello, I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments. I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized. However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal? Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.

Mar 25, 2025

Terminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do?

Hello Sir, I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025. After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues. However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details. I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.

Mar 25, 2025

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Mar 24, 2025

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I hired an agency to close my free zone company but failed to do so. What can I do?

I hired an agency to close my free zone company in October last year and paid them already. However, I have now been informed by the FDA that the company has not been closed, and I am required to upload a renewed license (which I do not have), otherwise, I will face a penalty. The agency I hired is not responding to my messages. What can I do?

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