Visa Query
 

Hi - I arrived in Abu Dhabi about 3 weeks ago and have my residency visa but despite assurances from my employer that as a British passport holder all would be fine, I have just heard today that I can sponsor my children's visas but not my husband. This might be a show stopper for us living here. Anyone have any experience of women sponsoring their spouses?

I was told by our HR dept that he can enter on a tourist visa and look for a job here - but there is a good chance he won't find anything that quickly and actually he just received the ok from the company he works for in the UK to work from home in Abu Dhabi (he works in IT so it isn't a problem).

Any help appreciated.

Re: Visa Query
 

it depends on the company, in the past only woman who are in jobs such as teachers, lawyers, engineers etc can sponsor their husbands etc, but its not impossible for others to do so, but only with the help of the employer etc. if he works for his old company but here in abu dhabi that still doesnt help you with the visa situation, and also would he still be liable for tax in the uk if he was being paid in uk etc.... sponsoring your husband has nothing to do with just being a brit passport holder, its down to the company to help as well. u need to find a good pro.

Re: Visa Query
 

Thanks - he isn't expecting tax benefits it's just our safety net as I am on a one year contract; he opted not to look for work here and we have a salary coming in when we return to the uk. Will chase the company for help or it will be a shorter stay than we planned.

Re: Visa Query
 

just remember that you will be liable for tax if you return before the end of a full tax year.

Re: Visa Query
 

it can be done, i know people but they worked for government organisations which if they want you it can be got around etc.

Re: Visa Query
 

Ok, thanks for the heads up. If we do go back early will have lost a small fortune in attesting fees, school deposits etc - really hoping it doesn't come to that as I am enjoying it here so far.

Re: Visa Query
 

i think you can be out of the country for like 90 days so if its all going pear shaped make sure you decide before that day. unfortunately things are run very differently here, and what you may think will be straight forward usually isnt, ramadan will be slowing things down, but only another week or so after eid and things will get back to normal. school deposit should only be a 500dhs one as anything more should only be paid once you take up the place etc.

Re: Visa Query
 

Just get him to do a visa run every month, pop down to Hatta Fort, you and the kids lounge around the pool while he pops across the border and back..30 mins to an hour max. ;)

Re: Visa Query
 

let him get a visit visa, cross the boarder each 2 months to Oman and then he can renew his visa.

Re: Visa Query
 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but wouldn't it have been a little more prudent to have asked this question before getting here?

Re: Visa Query
 

I was sponsored by my wife for a while. She is not a teacher / doctor etc, but her employer was in a free zone so that's why I think it was possible.

Re: Visa Query
 

Mentalist, read her post, I think she did.

I also sponsored my husband in Abu Dhabi, and I am not a teacher or anything like that. It can be done, although I think Patsy's suggestion of monthly Visa Runs is a better one. We did this for about a year, and used to really look forward to our trips to Hatta, including Fish & Chips and a swim at the Hatta Fort Hotel on the way home...

Re: Visa Query
 

It's not written down anywhere, but woman can sponsor their husbands if they are on a resonable salary (circa AED 20k pm) and they have a decent employer and PRO who are willing to make it happen. It's easier in Dubai as the DRND has processed many visas on that basis, but it can (and does) happen on AD too.