FYI most of the expats that have an IAA issued EASA ATPL, just keep a restricted type rating endorsed in their licence, rather than a trip to the sim being required for an unrestricted type rating. The restricted rating for a pilot based in the UAE (for example) will be valid for A6 registered aircraft only. It might seem a bit bizarre but it is a far cheaper way to restart the 7 year countdown before you need to start worrying about resitting some of the ATPL exams again.