205. UAE - Six month absence

rule for automatic visa cancel

exception

Q: Dear Sir, I am a NRI working in Abu Dhabi since 2001 with family. My son is studying in Cochin ,Kerala for MBBS from last year onwards. His UAE visa is valid upto 2011 Feb . His last visit to UAE was a year back and I want to take him to here for a week in this December. I checked with UAE imigration authority about the procedure ( as per UAE law, a person can not stay outside more than 6 months to keep th resident visa alive) and was told that this period is not applicable for students provided they should show the letter from the institution where they are studying and the college ID card at the time of arrival in the airport in Abu Dhabi Now , my question is , is there any formalties required for the imigration department at the Cochin airport ? His passport shows the valid visa till Feb 2011. Please give me a quick reply at the earliest. Thanks and regards Balaram Technical Manager A. Expat students based in the UAE but studying overseas as part of their course are exempt from the 180 day absence rule. Hopefully, the immigration department at the Cochin airport are probably up to date on rules and regulations. However it would be prudent to contact the relevant UAE immigration authority before returning to the UAE to avoid unnecessary problems when re-entering the country. Click HERE to read about the 'Exemptions made to visa validity rule' published on November 1, 2009 in Gulf News.