How to Change Your Employment and Family Visas in the UAE Without Leaving the Country
Overstaying beyond the grace period allowed by the UAE Government may result in fines. However, if your overstay was due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, the UAE Government provides procedures to request a waiver of your visa fines.
Please note: Approval or rejection of a fine waiver is at the discretion of the GDRFA Authority.
Eligibility and Requirements
Legal/Judicial Reasons
Petition letter from the company, sponsor, or applicant
Court or police letter (if passport is held)
Health Reasons
Petition letter from the company, sponsor, or applicant
Medical report in Arabic with hospital entry and exit dates, issued by a Health Authority or Ministry
Assistant Categories / Dubai Marsoom Holders
Petition letter from the company, sponsor, or applicant
Personal Sponsorship (Family)
Petition letter from sponsor
Passport copy of sponsor and visa
Sponsor labor contract/salary certificate/memorandum
Supporting documents if applicable
Sponsor Death
Petition letter from company, sponsor, or applicant with official stamp
Passport copies of sponsor and applicant
Visa copy
Trade license and establishment card (for companies)
Death certificate
Company Sponsorship
Original Emirates ID of sponsor/partner/company PRO
Petition letter with company stamp
Passport copy of applicant + visa
Trade license and establishment card copy
Delay in Passport Renewal/Issuing
Petition letter from company, sponsor, or applicant
Embassy/consulate letter showing passport renewal/issuance date
Visa copy, trade license, establishment card, and labor contract if applicable
Minimum fines to apply:
Family visa: AED 1,500
Employment visa: AED 3,500
Mandatory Documents for Fine Waiver Application
Original Emirates ID of sponsor + passport & visa copy
Applicant’s passport + visa
Visa copy showing fines (file number)
New approved e-visa (if applying for status change)
Cancellation paper (if leaving the country)
NOC / Petition letter (Arabic) requesting reduced fines or exemption
Title: Why MoHRE Will Fine Companies in 2023
The UAE government’s Emiratisation policy aims to increase the participation of Emiratis in the private sector and support their career growth. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) encourages companies to create job opportunities for UAE nationals, building a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Starting 1st January 2023, companies employing 50 or more professionals are required to meet the Emiratisation target of 2% in skilled jobs. Companies that fail to hire the required number of Emiratis will face a fine of AED 72,000 for every unfilled Emirati position.
The Ministry has issued reminders to all relevant companies, highlighting that they have only 50 days left to comply. To assist organizations, MoHRE offers support packages and incentives under the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).
MoHRE emphasized:
“We are committed to developing the UAE labour market in partnership with the private sector, enhancing the business environment, and attracting companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals from around the world, particularly in strategic sectors.”
Complying with Emiratisation requirements is not only mandatory but also beneficial for private sector companies, helping them strengthen their workforce while contributing to the nation’s long-term economic development.
