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Can my parents take legal action if I move out without their consent while under my father’s sponsorship?

Hello,

I'm 23, female, Pakistani, under my dad's sponsorship on a residence visa for the next 2 years.

During these 2 years, I hope to leave my house, but my abusive parents would raise hell if I even brought up the topic. So my only option is to leave without them knowing.

My concern is: what legal action can they take against me if I move out without their approval?

I don’t want to do anything illegal or risk my residency.

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Mohamed Bakheet

Mohamed Bakheet Advocates & Legal Consultants

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16 May 2025, 07:15

Legal.

16 May 2025, 07:16

What is legal?

16 May 2025, 07:21

Yes, you are legally entitled to live alone because:

- You are an adult (over 21 years old), meaning you have full legal capacity.

- There is nothing in UAE law that prevents an adult woman from living alone or requiring permission from her guardian/sponsor to leave the home.

Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status does not require an adult woman to live under the guardianship of her guardian.

Also:

Sponsorship (residence) does not give the sponsor the right to interfere in the sponsored person's private life, such as where they live.

The police or government agencies do not consider an adult girl leaving home as a "runaway" or a violation, as long as she does not commit a criminal or moral offense.

16 May 2025, 07:24

Thank you so much for this!

So, it is possible for me to escape my abusive household, get a job, and move to a different city without informing my parents or seeking their approval, right? I am scared for my well-being if I tell them.

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Fatehi Ahmed Shared

Ahkam Legal Consultancy

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16 May 2025, 07:24

Hello,

Hope you're doing well!

Thank you for reaching out. Given your situation, it's important to understand that as you're under your father's sponsorship on your residency visa in the UAE, moving out without his approval could result in complications with your visa status.

Your father could potentially cancel or suspend your visa or report the matter to the authorities. However, if you're in an abusive situation, there are legal protections available for women in the UAE, and it would be advisable to seek help from a legal professional or support services.

I strongly recommend scheduling a consultation, such as changing your sponsorship or ensuring your safety while maintaining your residency status. This will allow you to make an informed decision while minimizing risks to your legal standing.

Best regards,

16 May 2025, 07:33

Hi Fatehi,

Thank you for your response!

So in this case, what would you advise? Could I apply for a freelance/self-sponsored visa without alerting my father, or would I need his NOC for any visa change?

16 May 2025, 07:40

UAE law allows adults (18+) to act independently, but visa changes still require the current sponsor's authorization.

Only after your visa is cancelled can you apply for a freelance or self-sponsored visa.

16 May 2025, 07:54

But he will not let me do that. I fear for my safety if I ask him any of this. Even at my previous job, when I wanted to change my visa to the company, he made a big issue and acted aggressively.

Is there any way I can change my visa without him interfering?

16 May 2025, 07:56

If you would like more assistance, I’d be happy to schedule a consultation to guide you through the next steps.

Please let me know further updates from your side.

Thank You!

16 May 2025, 08:03

I would love to, but I can’t afford a lawyer right now. Is the consultation free of charge?

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