Salary and not job title is now the basis for residence visa applications for both male and female expats wanting to sponsor their family members, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) has clarified. This came after Khaleej Times highlighted on Tuesday how some women were told by authorities in Dubai that only certain professionals were eligible to sponsor their families if they earned Dh4,000 or above.
An FAIC spokesperson categorically said that all expats -- male and female -- can now sponsor their spouse or children, provided they earn a monthly salary of Dh4,000 or at least Dh3,000 plus accommodation from the company.
He explained that a government website is still stating the previous requirements because it "has not been updated yet”.
The FAIC had announced on July 14 that it was adopting a Cabinet resolution changing the main condition of acquiring residency from employment to income.
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