How to avoid UAE residence visa cancellation if you stay abroad for 6 months

Dubai - There are some exceptions to the six-month rule.

This is in accordance with Article 61 of the Federal Residency Rules, which states: "Article 61: The residence permit granted to the foreigner shall be deemed to have been cancelled if the period of his stay outside the country exceeds six months."

However, it may be noted that it may be possible to prevent the invalidation of a residence visa despite the visa holder staying outside the UAE for more than six months or 180 days continuously, provided the visa is still within its period of validity. This is in accordance with certain exceptions which are stated under Article 62 of the Federal Residency Rules, which states: "Article 62: As an exception from the provisions of Article (61) hereof, the residence permit shall continue to be valid until the end of its term for the following categories:

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a) Foreigner women married to UAE nationals.

b) Servants accompanying UAE nationals delegated to study abroad.

c) Servants and escorts of UAE national patients travelling or sent for medical treatment abroad.

d) Foreign patients (and their escorts) who are travelling or sent for medical treatment abroad, holding valid residence permits, provided that they present a medical report approved by the Ministry of Health or the Medical Services of the Armed Forces or the Police.

e) Servants of the members of the diplomatic and consular missions representing the state abroad, and employees of such missions holding residence permits in the state.

f) Foreigners delegated by the public sector corporations to attend training or specialisation courses, or those working in their employers' offices abroad, and their families holding valid residence permits in the state.

g) Servants of the members of the ruling family in the UAE, who are serving their houses abroad, and who are holding valid residence permits in the state.

h) Students studying in one of the universities or institutes abroad.