The UAE offers a one-year renewable residence permit for nationals of countries affected by war, natural disasters, or civil unrest. Known as the Humanitarian Resident Permit, the UAE has significantly expanded this humanitarian residency pathway in recent years, making it more accessible to people displaced by conflict. A key feature: unlike standard employment visas, a traditional employer sponsor is not required.
With the ongoing Iran-Israel-USA conflict continuing to displace communities and disrupt travel across the Middle East, this permit is especially relevant for nationals of affected countries who are currently in the UAE and unable to return home safely.
Rooted in a UAE Cabinet resolution and formalised through Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, the permit allows eligible individuals already present in the UAE to regularise their stay, access essential services like healthcare and education, and live legally while conditions in their home countries remain unsafe.
Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, what the requirements are, and how to apply.
Who Qualifies for the UAE Humanitarian Resident Permit?
The permit is designed for foreign nationals whose home countries are experiencing active war, armed conflict, natural disasters, or widespread civil unrest. The UAE government determines eligible nationalities on a case-by-case basis, and does not publish a fixed list of qualifying countries.
However, based on reporting from the UN Network on Migration and immigration guidance from the GDRFA, nationals from countries like Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine have been processed under this category.
If you are a national of Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, or another country directly impacted by the Iran-Israel-USA conflict and you are currently in the UAE, you should check whether you qualify. Contact the GDRFA or ICP to confirm your eligibility.
Key eligibility conditions
- You must already be in the UAE at the time of application. This permit is not available from outside the country.
- Your home country must be recognised by UAE authorities as being affected by war, disaster, or unrest.
- You need a sponsor or host who can meet your humanitarian needs, according to the GDRFA. This is not the same as a traditional employer sponsor. In some cases, authorities may process applications without a sponsor at their discretion.
- You must meet basic housing and financial requirements to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay.
- Applicants aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness examination at a government-approved centre.
The permit can also cover dependants. If the applicant is a UAE resident or spouse of one, minor siblings, parents, or other dependent family members may be included, provided the dependency condition is met and the sponsor earns a minimum salary of AED 10,000.
How to Apply for the Humanitarian Resident Permit
Applications are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You can apply through two channels.
Option 1: Online via GDRFA Smart Services
- Log in to the GDRFA Smart Services portal using your UAE PASS digital ID or registered username.
- Search for the “Issuance of a residence permit for humanitarian cases” service.
- Fill in the required application details and upload supporting documents.
- Pay the service fees online.
Option 2: In person at an AMER Service Centre
- Visit the nearest AMER Service Centre (these are located across Dubai and other emirates).
- Take a ticket from the queue system and wait for your turn.
- Submit your application along with all required documents to the customer service staff.
- Pay the service fees at the counter.
Documents you’ll likely need
- Valid passport (copy and original)
- Proof of nationality from a conflict-affected country
- Medical fitness certificate (for applicants 18+)
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE (attested tenancy contract)
- Bank statements for the last three months showing financial stability
- Salary certificate or employment contract (if applying with dependants, minimum AED 10,000 salary)
Document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. Check directly with the GDRFA for the most current list.
Fees and Processing Costs
The humanitarian residence permit carries lower fees compared to most other UAE residency categories. Based on the official GDRFA fee schedule, here’s the cost breakdown:
- Residence permit fee: AED 200
- In-country processing fee: AED 500
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- Delivery fee: AED 20
- Total: approximately AED 740
If the residency exceeds two years (through renewals), the issuance fee increases by AED 100 per year. Medical fitness exam fees are separate and vary by testing centre.
Applicants who were previously overstaying their visa may also be exempted from overstay fines when transitioning to the humanitarian permit, though this is granted at the discretion of immigration authorities.
Key Conditions and Restrictions
The humanitarian permit comes with conditions that differ significantly from standard UAE residency visas. Understanding these before you apply is essential.
Auto-cancellation if you leave the UAE
This is the most important condition to be aware of. The permit is automatically cancelled if the holder travels outside the UAE. Unlike regular residence visas, which allow re-entry within six months, this permit is tied to your physical presence in the country. Leaving for any reason, even briefly, voids the permit.
Renewal process
The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed. Renewals are processed through the GDRFA renewal service for humanitarian cases, following instructions from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. A fresh medical fitness exam is required for each renewal if you’re over 18.
No traditional employer sponsor required
Unlike most UAE residence visas, this permit does not require a local employer or company sponsor. The GDRFA states that applicants need a “sponsor or host who meets the applicant’s humanitarian needs,” which may be a family member, community contact, or other host rather than an employer. In some cases, authorities may process applications without any sponsor at their discretion. The permit is issued by the UAE government and subject to ongoing eligibility based on conditions in your home country.
This is a non-working residence permit
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, the humanitarian residence permit falls under the “non-working residence permit” category. This means the permit alone does not authorise you to work in the UAE. If you wish to take up employment, you will need a separate work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Access to services
Permit holders can access healthcare and education services in the UAE. This is a significant benefit, as many other temporary visa categories do not grant the same level of access to public services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the humanitarian permit from outside the UAE?
No. You must already be physically present in the UAE to apply. The permit is designed for individuals who are already in the country, including those who may be overstaying a previous visa due to conditions in their home country.
Which countries are currently eligible?
The UAE has not published a fixed list. Eligibility is determined case by case based on whether your home country is experiencing war, natural disaster, or serious civil unrest. Nationals from Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine have been processed under this category. Contact the GDRFA or ICP to confirm your eligibility.
What happens if I need to travel urgently while holding this permit?
The permit is automatically cancelled upon departure from the UAE. If you must travel, you would need to reapply for a new permit upon your return, assuming you can re-enter the country on a valid visa. Plan accordingly and consult with GDRFA before making any travel plans.
Can I work in the UAE on this permit?
No. The humanitarian residence permit is classified as a non-working residence permit under UAE immigration regulations. It grants legal residency but does not authorise employment. To work, you need a separate work permit from MOHRE. Contact MOHRE or GDRFA for the latest guidance on how humanitarian permit holders can obtain work authorisation.
Are my family members covered?
Dependent family members may be included, but the primary applicant must meet minimum salary requirements (AED 10,000) and provide proof of adequate housing for the family. Each family member’s application is processed individually.
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Sources
- UAE Cabinet — One-Year Stay Permit for War-Affected Nationals
- UAE Legislation — Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022
- GDRFA — Issuance of Residence Permit for Humanitarian Cases
- GDRFA — Renewal of Residence Permit for Humanitarian Cases
- UN Network on Migration — UAE Cabinet Resolution
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- Afridi & Angell — UAE New Humanitarian and Sector-Specific Visa Categories
- Emirates Health Services — Medical Fitness Examination
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