Expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates who are changing employers may be eligible for an immigration service that allows them to temporarily place their family members’ residence permits on hold while completing the transfer of their own employment residency. The arrangement can help qualifying families avoid cancelling and reissuing their dependants’ permits unnecessarily.

The service is especially relevant to employees sponsoring their spouses and children, since family residence permits are generally linked to the sponsor’s immigration status. When an employee leaves one employer and moves to another, the cancellation of the existing employment residence can affect the residence permits of family members.

According to guidance published by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, eligible sponsors can request a temporary hold on their dependants’ residence records, subject to the applicable documentary, employment and financial requirements.

Applicants generally need evidence of their planned employment transfer, including an offer letter from the new employer specifying salary and profession. They must also continue to meet the relevant income and sponsorship conditions for their family members.

An important requirement is that the dependants’ residence permits must have at least three months of validity remaining when the request is submitted. The sponsor must also satisfy the conditions applicable to the employment status change and provide the necessary identity and immigration documents.

Dubai’s published service guidance indicates that the hold period must not exceed 60 days from the date on which the family residence permits are placed on hold. The sponsor should therefore complete the employment transfer and the necessary family residency procedures within the permitted timeframe.

The service also involves a financial security deposit, which may be refundable when the relevant requirements are satisfied, in addition to applicable processing fees. Applicants should verify the precise amount directly with the immigration authority responsible for their visas.

Dubai’s published FAQ lists a refundable deposit of AED 2,500 and a fee of AED 141, while the federal residence cancellation service card identifies a guarantee amount of AED 5,000. Because published figures differ across these service references, applicants should confirm the amount applicable to their individual transaction before making any payment.

The temporary hold does not automatically grant a new residence permit, waive sponsorship rules or remove the obligation to complete the sponsor’s employment transfer. It provides a regulated way to manage linked family residence permits while the sponsor changes immigration status.

Dubai residents can obtain information through the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs and approved Amer service centres. Residents holding permits issued in other emirates can consult the Federal Authority’s official digital channels and customer service centres.

Applicants should check their eligibility before proceeding with the cancellation of their existing employment residence. Approval can depend on the issuing authority, the remaining validity of dependants’ permits, the circumstances of the sponsor and the proposed new employment arrangement.

Additional attention may be required when a resident moves between different emirates, because the immigration process and availability of the hold arrangement may depend on where the relevant permits are issued.

Sponsors should retain proof of any financial guarantee paid and complete the required procedures for releasing the hold after obtaining their new employment residence. The process for recovering the guarantee must also be followed through the relevant authority.

The service can offer a practical option for expatriate families during employment changes, but it is not automatically available to every person changing jobs. Verification of eligibility, fees, documentary requirements and applicable deadlines remains essential.

Eligible residents are therefore encouraged to consult the appropriate official immigration authority before beginning their transfer procedures, particularly where their spouses or children are dependent on their existing residence sponsorship.

Source: UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security – Dubai General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs