UAE Immigration now requires a fee of 220 Dirhams for opening a dependent sponsorship file before filing applications for dependents' entry permits. This is a one-time fee, is not refundable, and is paid directly at Immigration-at designated bank counters available in the facility. Once the fee has been paid, a payment receipt and sticker is issued. The sticker must be attached to the application while the payment receipt should be stored for future dependent sponsorship applications in order to avoid repaying file opening charges and to avoid potential delays. It is important to note that all existing sponsors of dependent family members in the UAE are also required to pay this one-time fee when they renew their dependents' residence permits.

This development comes in light of fee changes proposed by Ministerial Decision No. 22/2014. Reports suggest that other subscription charges and file opening fees (for individual as well as corporate sponsors) may soon be applicable for other services.

What This Means for Employers and Individuals