Uganda family reunification: the dependant pass

The dependant pass covers three groups: children under 18, spouses, and other relatives or members of the household. The principal must have proof of legal stay in Uganda, which NCIC names as a student pass, a work permit (entry permit) or a certificate of residence. The pass can also be issued to the foreign child, spouse or other relative of a Ugandan citizen.

NCIC's inspection department stresses that every dependant of a foreign national must apply for their own immigration facility; a family member is not covered by the principal's permit.

Spouse: marriage certificate, copy of the principal's passport and immigration status, a recent photo, the dependant's passport bio-data page with at least six months of validity, and the dependant's current immigration status in Uganda.

Child: birth certificate, the child's passport page and immigration status, the principal's immigration status and passport copy, a cover letter (or diplomatic note for diplomats) from the principal and a photo.

Other relatives: the principal's work permit or status, the dependant's immigration status, a cover letter from the principal stating the relationship and the reason for the pass, proof of relationship where possible, the passport page and a photo. All documents must be in English, so marriage and birth records issued in another language need an English version or translation.

NCIC charges USD 200 for a child, USD 350 for a spouse and USD 1,000 for other relatives. Fees are non-refundable and subject to bank charges, and online card payments carry a 3% surcharge. A family of a principal, spouse and two children therefore pays USD 750 in dependant pass fees on top of the principal's own permit.

Family members usually enter Uganda on a visa first; the visa approval letter is what allows entry. The dependant pass is then filed online on visas.immigration.go.ug under Permit, choosing the spouse, child or other relative subcategory. Upload the documents, pay the fee, wait for the emailed approval and attend the immigration office with the passport, receipts and approval letter for biometrics.

Keep the pass aligned with the principal's status: when the principal's permit is renewed, extend the dependant passes through 'Extend your application' as well.

A foreign spouse of a Ugandan can hold a dependant pass at first. After at least three years of legal marriage and lawful residence in Uganda, the spouse can apply for a certificate of residence due to marriage, which costs USD 2,000 and can be granted for 5 years, 10 years or life. The couple may be asked to appear before a board.