Dubai: Residents wishing to sponsor family members in Dubai now have to submit their bank statements to the residency department, Gulf News has learnt.
The move is to ensure people on very low salaries do not bring their families into the emirate.
According to new rules set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) all those applying for a new residency visa for their families must provide a bank statement showing their monthly salary.
Illegal action
“Those who wish to bring their family members to Dubai on a residence visa must present the GDRFA with the sponsor’s bank statement,” a senior official said.
At least three months’ bank statements are required for those who have already been living here and want to bring their families to the UAE and at least one month’s salary statement or a bank letter confirming the salary transfer for those new to the country and who want to sponsor their families. The rule does not apply for those renewing visas for their families.
He said that previously applicants had to submit a labour contract showing their salary and a salary certificate from the company. The official said this was no longer enough and bank statements were also required.
He said this step had been taken because some people had been submitting a salary certificate or labour contract which showed a higher salary than they actually received.
“We have seen some illegal action involving companies giving their employers salary certificates which state a higher salary than the one they are receiving to help them bring their families here,” the official said.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable,” he added.
“We have come across cases in which the salary of a person who wants to sponsor his family was less than Dh2,500 but they provided us with a salary certificate for Dh10,000,” he said.
“We are asking for a bank statement in order to avoid this happening,” he said.
Medical certificate
He said a bank statement is required only from those applying for a new residence visa for their families.
Those renewing their family’s residency visas are not required to submit bank statements. A bank statement is also not required from those applying for a visit visa for their family members.
The official said new residency visa application will not be accepted without a supporting bank statement.
“People need a proper amount of money in order to live. How can a person bring families here if they earn very low salaries?” the official said.
Those who want to bring their spouse, children, or parents on humanitarian grounds are required to undergo the necessary procedures, including submitting a medical certificate for family members over 18. They must submit their labour card, a copy of their employment contract and salary certificate in addition to their bank statement and tenancy contract, which should be in the name of the applicant, and also an ID card.
The sponsor’s salary should be at least Dh4,000 a month plus accommodation. A salary of Dh10,000 is required if a person wishes to sponsor their parents.
