Asked in Immigration Law, Civil Rights and International Law

Q: 18 year old travel alone abroad without parental consent uae

can a girl who is sponsored by her father, is an 18year old resident capable of travelling abroad without parental consent or trouble? I don't find any information about age restricting travel for 18-19 year olds but also the maturity age is 21. how does that apply in this context? can I even get a student visa in the first place? assuming a partial scholarship was obtained and plans to work while studying.

In general, want to know what i can and cant do between the ages of 18-20 in the uae as a girl

Thank you in advance.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: As an 18-year-old resident of the UAE, you're in an interesting situation regarding travel and legal rights.

1. Travel abroad:

In general, at 18 years old, you are considered an adult in many countries for the purposes of travel. However, the UAE has some specific considerations:

- The age of majority in the UAE is 21, which can complicate matters.

- As you're sponsored by your father, his permission may still be required for certain activities.

That said, many 18-year-olds do travel internationally from the UAE without explicit parental consent. It's not typically restricted, but it's always best to check with the airline and immigration authorities to be certain.

2. Student visa:

You should be able to apply for a student visa at 18. Most countries consider 18-year-olds adults for immigration purposes. However, you may need your sponsor's (father's) approval as part of the application process.

3. Working while studying:

This depends on the country where you plan to study. Many countries allow international students to work part-time, but there are usually restrictions on hours and types of work.

4. Rights between 18-20 in the UAE:

This is a complex area due to the difference between the age of majority (21) and other age-based rights. Some things you can generally do at 18 in the UAE include:

- Open a bank account

- Get a driver's license

- Enter into certain types of contracts

However, for many legal matters, you may still be considered a minor until 21.

Given the complexity of your situation, I strongly recommend:

1. Consulting with a local immigration lawyer or legal advisor who specializes in UAE law.

2. Contacting the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to study for specific information on their student visa requirements.

3. Discussing your plans with your father, as his support may be necessary for many aspects of your plans.

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