Does a husband in the UAE have to continue sponsoring his wife’s residence visa after divorce, and what happens to her residency status?

If a woman is residing in the UAE under her husband’s sponsorship and the couple divorces, she is entitled to apply for a one-year extension of her residency visa starting from the official date of divorce, but the husband cannot be legally compelled to continue sponsoring her visa once the divorce is finalised. UAE law does not allow courts to force a former husband to sponsor an ex-wife’s residency; however, he may continue to sponsor the children’s visas. After the extension period, the woman must secure an alternative visa (such as employment or self-sponsorship) to remain in the country. Legal experts advise consulting a lawyer regarding issues like child custody, maintenance, and alimony, and contacting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for visa-related guidance. Do you think the current rules offer enough protection for divorced women, or should longer visa options be considered?

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