Resident visa 6 month time limit
#1
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 171


Hi,
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.

#2
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Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 1,800












Hi,
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.

#5

Hi,
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.
I have a Residence Visa issued by JAFZA and expiring late January 2018.
For various reasons, I have been out of the country since Nov 20 last year. The Visa states 'Residence Permit becomes invalid if bearer resides out of the UAE for more than 6 months'. Anyone know whether this means 6 calendar months ie I am OK to return before May 20?
I am coming back, I just want to know when I need to arrive latest to keep my visa in good order.
Tried calling UAE Embassy in UK and relevant department in Dubai but no response!
Appreciate your advice.

#6
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 171


Many thanks for the responses.
So, I'm working on 180 days - right? Got to say that would have been my last option after 6 calendar months and 24x7 days but...
Just out of interest, Meow, what does 'pulled on arrival' actually mean not that I'm intending to find out!
So, I'm working on 180 days - right? Got to say that would have been my last option after 6 calendar months and 24x7 days but...
Just out of interest, Meow, what does 'pulled on arrival' actually mean not that I'm intending to find out!

#7
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Other posters are correct, it does become invalid, and it is solar months.
It's a big issue for Arab expatriates, as there are families who have worked in the UAE for 20, 25 years, and then little Ahmed grows up and goes off to Cairo or Amman (or, increasingly, leaves the ME for Kuala Lumpur) for university, but needs to be flown back to the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa. They usually don't make Westerner salaries so it takes a big bite out of the family budget.
It's a big issue for Arab expatriates, as there are families who have worked in the UAE for 20, 25 years, and then little Ahmed grows up and goes off to Cairo or Amman (or, increasingly, leaves the ME for Kuala Lumpur) for university, but needs to be flown back to the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa. They usually don't make Westerner salaries so it takes a big bite out of the family budget.

#8

The immigration chaps will take you to one side for a chat whilst they decide that to do. Visas don't actually expire but need to be cancelled officially so they'd want to get that done before letting you in. Not a major issue really but it does freak out a few people.

#9
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Posts: 171


Thanks, Meow.

#10
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If OP is on a British passport, yes.

#11
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 171


Yes, UK passport

#12

Other posters are correct, it does become invalid, and it is solar months.
It's a big issue for Arab expatriates, as there are families who have worked in the UAE for 20, 25 years, and then little Ahmed grows up and goes off to Cairo or Amman (or, increasingly, leaves the ME for Kuala Lumpur) for university, but needs to be flown back to the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa. They usually don't make Westerner salaries so it takes a big bite out of the family budget.
It's a big issue for Arab expatriates, as there are families who have worked in the UAE for 20, 25 years, and then little Ahmed grows up and goes off to Cairo or Amman (or, increasingly, leaves the ME for Kuala Lumpur) for university, but needs to be flown back to the UAE every 6 months to keep the visa. They usually don't make Westerner salaries so it takes a big bite out of the family budget.

#14
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Joined: Jan 2017
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The response was in reply to whether it was Islamic years or solar years, see earlier posts. 180 days/6 months, whatever, while I defer to Meow OP should come back to the UAE well before that deadline to give himself/herself cushion in case of flight delays etc and not count on splitting hairs between the stamp saying "months" and the actual rule being 180 days.
