Divorce is never easy, and for expatriate families in the UAE, there are additional questions regarding residency rights that can make the process even more complicated.
A Khaleej Times reader posed the following question:
“If I divorce my husband, will my children and I still be dependent on him for sponsorship?”
Here’s the picture:
👶 Sobre Los Hijos:
The answer is yes. Most fathers, regardless of the divorce, are obligated to sponsor the residency of their children—particularly if they have custody of the children or are supporting them financially, as per the court’s decision.
👩👧 Sobre La Ex Esposa:
The answer is no. An ex-husband’s sponsorship obligation ends once the marriage is dissolved—thus the ex-wife will now have to find other alternatives to remain in the country, such as a work visa or new sponsor.
⏳ What about the Peruaded Residency Visa?
The general practice is that, after the divorce, ex-wives have a 30-day window to sort out their residency which in these cases would mean changing their visa or leaving the country.
Note: Law is not as clear cut and cuts for multiple cases. Furthermore, it is strongly advised to seek guidance from a legal practitioner or immigration specialist to fully appreciate their rights and choices.