In order to obtain a residency visa and labour card, all expatriates are required to undergo a medical and blood test. Employers usually arrange for all the necessary paperwork. Once you have your health card and the results of your medical test, you can go to the Immigration Department to process your residency. There are two types of residence permit, one for when you are sponsored for employment, and the other for residence only (for example when you are sponsored by a family member who is already sponsored by an employer). Once a resident, if you leave the UAE it can only be for a period of less than six months at any one time, otherwise your residency will lapse. This is particularly relevant to women going back home to give birth, or children studying abroad. If the residency is cancelled, the original sponsor can visit the Immigration Department and pay Dhs.100 for a temporary entry permit which will waive the cancellation and allow the person to re-enter Dubai. You’ll need their passport copy, and will have to fax them a copy of the permit before they fly back.