What is Visa Hold?

Visa Hold refers to a temporary suspension of your visa. Visas are not cancelled but remain active in the system with a temporary hold status. This may be necessary if the family visa sponsor changes the job and needs to reissue their visa. Visa suspension is free, but the government will retain a deposit of 3,000 to 5,000 AED for each visa suspended, depending on the Emirate. The deposit is refunded after the family visa is reissued under the new sponsor visa. You have 90 days to reissue your visa. Note that suspended visas are typically available within the same Emirate!