Standard tags: immigration

Perspective, preparation, and patience: Top 10 family and immigration considerations around school holidays

Three cyclists ride along a paved road at sunset, surrounded by grassy fields and distant hills under a vibrant sky.

The school holidays, whether in summer, Christmas or in between, are often a time with many moving parts which can often bring added legal complexities for families. Whether you’re navigating child arrangements, planning international travel, or considering relocation, early preparation and clear communication can make all the difference. 

Following an insightful conversation between Christine Abbotts, Senior Associate and Mediator in our Family team, and Amy Sarraff, Senior Associate in our Immigration team, we answer the questions we’re most often asked, offering practical steps to help you be prepared and compliant. 

FAQs

1. What legal tools can families use to stay prepared and maintain harmony during the school holidays, festive season and beyond?

Parenting plans agreed through mediation can include  travel arrangements, helping to set expectations and reduce uncertainty. If agreement isn’t possible, a court order provides clarity, but this must be secured in advance as it takes time for Court applications to be dealt with. For international travel, consent letters (preferably affidavits) are essential when both parents are not travelling at the same time with their children. We can help you prepare robust, tailored documents, agree arrangements or guide you through mediation or the court processes. We encourage you to speak to us as early as possible so we can help make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

2. What common challenges arise ahead of the school holidays and international travel, and how can they be avoided?

Last-minute travel plans, unclear child arrangements, and breakdowns in communication are common, particularly at this time of year. Most issues can be avoided by planning early – confirming permissions, checking passports are in date, securing visas as necessary, and agreeing arrangements ahead of time. Our Family and Immigration teams work together to help you anticipate and address these challenges, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

3. What steps should you take when travelling with your child?

Always carry a wallet of key documents and essentials including consent letters or affidavits (especially for stricter jurisdictions) and certified copies of key documents all of which we can assist with. You can double check entry requirements online, but we recommend contacting us early, particularly ahead of peak travel periods such as the summer holidays or Christmas, when court and administrative timelines may be longer .

4. How rigidly must parents follow a Child Arrangements Order over the holidays?

A court order must be respected, but positive co-parenting may allow for flexibility if both parties agree – open dialogue is key. Taking a child abroad without the other parent’s consent or court approval is considered abduction, even if intentions are good. Our Family team, including mediators like Christine, can help you navigate these conversations.

5. How can families manage handovers when communication between parents is difficult?

Plan ahead so that both parents know the plan well in advice. Mediation is still an available option if a facilitated conversation would be beneficial. You can also consider neutral handover points, such as dropping or collecting from a playdate or event, or from public places and communicating via a parenting app.

6. How should separated parents handle introducing new partners, during the holidays?

Keep it child focused. If it’s around the festive period, ask whether Christmas is the right time, as there’s already a lot happening, so sometimes waiting until the New Year might be best.

7. What guidance helps newly separated families through their first major holiday period after separation – whether summer or Christmas?

Keep communication open and seek support if needed. We have a network of therapists which we are always happy to share with clients. It’s good to remember to give yourself grace and that things will usually get better in time.

8. What should families consider before relocating overseas?

Visa requirements should be the first priority. Many first consider housing, schooling, tax, and work arrangements, but visa arrangements should be the first port of call. For high-net-worth and international families, we create bespoke solutions where standard visa categories might not ordinarily fit our client’s circumstances.

9. For international families travelling to or from the UK during school holidays, what should they know about visa requirements, and how can they avoid common pitfalls?

Always check whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visit visa before travelling, as airlines will refuse boarding if permissions aren’t correct. Extended stays, remote work, and overstaying are common pitfalls to be aware of. Overstaying can classify you as an illegal migrant and may lead to deportation. When visiting the UK, remote work is allowed in limited circumstances, provided it remains secondary to the main purpose of your visit.  We can help you secure an ETA or visa and encourage you to get in touch if you are anticipating extending your trip.

10. What are the key takeaways for families navigating family and immigration matters over the holidays?

Here are our three key principals:

  • Preparation: Make sure passports are in date, permissions to travel are valid, and all necessary documents are organised well in advance. Forward planning can prevent a lot of stress.
  • Perspective: School holidays, particularly longer breaks like summer or Christmas, can be an emotional time, full of traditions and expectations. Try to step back and remember that the holidays are just a few of weeks in the year – there will be other opportunities over time for quality time with loved ones. Keeping this in mind can help you stay grounded and reduce pressure.
  • Patience: Things may not always go to plan, and that’s okay. Approaching challenges with patience and understanding can make a real difference for you and your family.

Summary

School holidays often require careful planning for families navigating separation or international travel. At Forsters, our Family and Immigration teams work together to provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances – whether that’s agreeing child arrangements, preparing consent documents, or ensuring your visa status is correct.

We encourage our clients to take early legal advice in preparation  ahead of key travel periods, whether summer or Christmas, to ensure everything is in place for a smooth and stress‑free holiday. Get in touch with Amy or Christine to discuss your plans and make sure everything is in place for a smooth festive season.

Considering a move to the UAE? An overview of the UAE nomad visa

Even during periods of regional instability, the UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs, families, family offices and investment offices. Whilst the UAE golden visa is well known, one option is increasingly overlooked.

As remote working continues to reshape the global workforce, an increasing number of professionals are exploring opportunities to live abroad without changing employers. One option that has gained significant attention is the UAE’s remote work visa, often referred to as the ‘Nomad Visa’.

The visa allows foreign nationals to reside in the UAE while continuing to work remotely for an employer or business located outside the country. For professionals seeking a combination of international mobility, modern infrastructure, and a favourable tax environment, the UAE can be an attractive destination.

What is the UAE nomad visa?

The UAE nomad visa is a renewable residence permit that allows eligible individuals to live in the UAE for up to one year while working remotely for a non-UAE employer or operating a business based overseas.

Unlike traditional employment-based residence permits, applicants do not require sponsorship from a UAE employer, providing greater flexibility and independence.

Who is eligible?

While eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on the relevant emirate and programme, applicants will generally need to demonstrate:

  • Employment with a company based outside the UAE, with permission to work remotely; or
  • Ownership of a business operating outside the UAE;
  • A minimum level of monthly income;
  • Valid health insurance covering the UAE; and
  • Evidence of ongoing employment, business activity, and financial stability.

Applicants are typically required to provide supporting documentation such as employment contracts, bank statements, passport copies, and proof of health insurance.

Key benefits

Tax advantages

One of the principal attractions of the UAE is the absence of personal income tax on employment income. While individuals should always seek specialist tax advice regarding their personal circumstances and any continuing obligations in their home country, the UAE’s tax regime is often a significant consideration for internationally mobile professionals (although the UAE corporate tax regime, including Permanent Establishment risks, should always be considered).

High quality of life

The UAE offers world-class infrastructure, excellent transport links, modern healthcare facilities, and a vibrant international community. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established themselves as global business hubs with strong connectivity to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Even in times of regional stability, the UAE continues to form part of wealthy clients’ plans.

Flexibility

The visa enables individuals to maintain their existing overseas employment or business arrangements while enjoying UAE residence rights. This can be particularly appealing for entrepreneurs, consultants, and senior professionals who wish to relocate without changing their employment structure.

Important considerations

While the visa offers several advantages, prospective applicants should be aware that it is not a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship. Residence status is dependent on continued compliance with the visa requirements and successful renewal applications.

In addition, holders of the nomad visa are generally not authorised to undertake local employment in the UAE without obtaining the appropriate work authorisation (including work permits where applicable).

Tax residency and reporting obligations in other jurisdictions should also be carefully reviewed before relocating.

Final thoughts

The UAE nomad visa provides an attractive option for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile professionals seeking residence in one of the world’s leading business destinations. However, as with any international relocation, immigration, tax, and practical considerations should be assessed holistically before making a decision.

For individuals considering a move to the UAE while maintaining overseas employment or business interests, obtaining tailored immigration and tax advice at an early stage can help ensure a smooth transition and avoid unexpected complications.

How we can help

Forsters’ dedicated Middle East team advises individuals, family offices and businesses on UAE immigration solutions. We help clients navigate the evolving UAE immigration landscape, providing clear, strategic advice tailored to their circumstances. Whether you are relocating, expanding your business presence, or seeking long-term residency options, our team can provide bespoke support to meet your immigration needs. Get in touch to discuss how we can assist you or your organisation.

Private client planning in the UAE: what international individuals and families need to know

The UAE’s private wealth framework is evolving quickly, which is significant for international families and individuals. In a system where succession, personal status and asset structuring can overlap, and where common law free zones (including ADGM and DIFC) sit alongside federal laws, clarity on how trusts, foundations, tax and wills operate is essential.

In this comprehensive Q&A on private client and immigration rules, James Brockhurst, Jackson Tu’inukuafe and Amy Sarraff explore a range of questions relevant to modern UAE private client planning.

The rise of trusts and foundations

The UAE’s estate planning landscape has become more sophisticated. Trusts are recognised across different parts of the UAE, and foundation regimes in the DIFC, ADGM and RAK ICC are now firmly established. These structures are increasingly used to hold UAE assets and support lifetime planning.

Recent legislative and tax developments have added another layer of importance. The interaction between structures, corporate tax treatment and Land Department transfer fees and mechanisms require careful thought from the outset.

Succession rules, a critical distinction

The distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim succession rules remains central. For Muslims, forced Shariah principles continue to shape how assets pass on death. For non-Muslims, there is greater flexibility, but it needs to be actively implemented and properly documented.

The position may also change depending on whether assets are movable or immovable, and whether they are held directly or through a structure. In practice, this means estate planning in the UAE rarely follows a single, standard approach.

Why this matters

Even minor drafting decisions can have a real impact. They can influence how assets are transferred, whether a reduced rate applies to property, or how a structure is treated for tax purposes. The position can also shift when another jurisdiction is involved, particularly where domicile or tax residence sits outside the UAE.

For expatriates, this cross-border element is often where complexity arises and where early planning makes the greatest difference.

How we can help

This is an area where careful coordination is essential. Forsters’ dedicated Middle East team, advise on UAE, UK and cross-border succession planning and wealth structuring involving wills, trusts and foundations. If you are considering how best to structure UAE assets or manage succession across jurisdictions, we would be happy to help.

 

Published in Lexis Middle East on 13 May 2026 Private Wealth 2026 [Lexis® Middle East]