The UAE Cabinet on Tuesday, June 19, approved the resolution that seeks to allow widows, divorced women, and their children to apply for one-year visa extension from the day of the death of the spouse or the date of the divorce.
The decision was made to help widows and divorced women to adjust after the death of their spouse or divorce, reported WAM.
“The decision grants widows and divorced women and their children a one-year residence without the need for a sponsor. It aims to give women the opportunity to adjust their social and economic status,” the Cabinet said.
The decision is expected to be implemented during the fourth quarter of the year.
“The resolution will be effective as of the fourth quarter of this year and is part of the continuous efforts to develop government decisions and legislations that cater for larger segments of UAE’s residents and visitors and meets their main needs,” the Cabinet said.
The UAE Cabinet added that the move would “maintain family stability and social cohesion, and affirms UAE’s position as a welcoming country to all nationalities in line with its history and values of extending a helping hand.”
Currently, women, whose sponsor is their husband, are required to leave UAE if the couple decides to file for divorce.
