adminUnited Arab Emirates
Introduction
There is no doubt that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have long been viewed as a land of opportunity, attracting individuals from all over the world looking for better economic prospects. Immigrants fleeing war, persecution, and humanitarian crises have also become increasingly interested in the country in recent years. In spite of its reputation as not an asylum hub like Europe or North America, the UAE has demonstrated a willingness to engage in humanitarian protection through specific channels. Asylum procedures in the UAE, alternatives, and visa sponsorship play a role in helping migrants in need in this article.
UAE Asylum: An Overview
It is notable that the UAE is not a signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol. The government does not have a formal asylum system with codified refugee protections. Nonetheless, the country cooperates with international organizations like the UNHCR and provides humanitarian residence permits on a case-by-case basis.
A policy of humanitarian discretion is employed by the UAE rather than traditional asylum, which offers temporary protection or special residency to vulnerable groups such as those fleeing war zones, natural disasters, or political turmoil.
Who Qualifies for Asylum in the UAE?
A temporary humanitarian relief program is available for certain individuals if they meet certain conditions, but it is not a standardized asylum system.
- Those fleeing conflict or civil unrest (for example, Syrians, Yemenis, Palestinians)
- Politically persecuted individuals
- Minorities at risk due to racial or religious discrimination
- Children and women fleeing violence based on gender
- A stateless person is someone who is not a citizen
- People who have been trafficked or enslaved
In most cases, the UAE handles such applications through UN agencies or through appeals to its authorities.
Refugees’ International Obligations in the UAE
However, despite not being bound by the 1951 Convention, the UAE has taken in a number of refugees and displaced people, particularly from the Middle East. A substantial amount of aid has been provided to refugee-hosting countries, and informal cooperation with UNHCR continues.
Under the UAE’s “Year of Zayed Humanitarian Initiative” in 2018, thousands of Syrian families received housing and relief. Assisting vulnerable populations outside of a formal asylum framework is part of the UAE’s evolving commitment to assisting vulnerable populations.
Asylum vs Traditional Visa Sponsorship
“Asylum” and “visa sponsorship” have different meanings in the UAE.
- The term asylum refers to temporary or special residency status that provides humanitarian protection.
- A UAE-based entity (employer, educational institution, or family member) sponsors a foreigner’s legal stay for work, study, or reunification with family.
Visa sponsorship remains the primary route to long-term legal residence in the UAE, even though asylum is limited and case-dependent.
UAE Asylum Application Process
Since there is no direct office for asylum applications, individuals seeking protection should:
- For more information, contact the nearest UNHCR office (typically in Abu Dhabi or Dubai).
- Provide a description of the threat or persecution in your registration request.
- Be cooperative during interviews and verifications.
- Applicants can apply for humanitarian visas or special residency visas on a temporary basis if they are granted.
Note: Applications must demonstrate credible fear and urgency.
Documents Required for Asylum Applications
It is possible that applicants will need to submit the following documents:
- Identification (if available) or passport
- Documentation of threats (for example, arrest warrants or political affiliations)
- An overview of my personal history and statement
- UNHCR referral or support letter
- Medical or psychological evaluation (in some cases).
All documents must be translated into Arabic or English and certified if possible.
Government and NGO roles in the UAE
Multiple actors contribute to the asylum process in the absence of a national asylum office:
- Protective requests are received and processed by UNHCR UAE Office.
- Shelter and support are provided by the Emirates Red Crescent.
- The Ministry of Interior is responsible for granting or denying humanitarian residency applications.
- Documentation and appeal assistance provided by legal NGOs.
Humanitarian Residency and Temporary Protection
Humanitarian residency permits can be obtained by individuals who cannot obtain standard visas. These are:
- The validity period is typically one year, renewable.
- Awarded to war-affected individuals, their families, and medical patients.
- Access to health and work are basic rights.
For Syrians and Palestinians, the UAE also announced a long-term humanitarian residency program.
In the UAE, there are many opportunities for visa sponsorship
If an immigrant does not qualify for asylum but wants to relocate legally, he or she may qualify for visa sponsorship.
- A UAE company sponsors the employment visa; it includes a labor contract.
- An applicant’s family member must sponsor them.
- University or college accreditation is required for student visas.
- An application for a golden visa must be submitted by a high-skilled worker, an investor, or an exceptional talent.
In the event that asylum is not immediately available, these options may serve as alternatives.
An overview of the employment opportunities available to immigrants
In the UAE, immigrants play an integral role in the economy, especially in:
- Constructing
- Taking care of the household
- Medical care
- Technology and information technology
- Merchandising and hospitality
Work visa sponsorship requires a valid job offer, medical screening, and contract compliance. Employers process residency permits.
admin