Q: I graduated from Ajman University four years ago. Before my final exams, my visa was two months from expiry, so I approached the authorities but they said it was not worth renewal and I would be better paying overstaying fines to save the cost of a one-year-visa because I was graduating that month. I paid my fines and left the UAE. Months later, I applied for a visa to the UAE and immigration refused, saying I had a life ban. My mother checked with authorities in Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, who confirmed I have no criminal record and voiced surprise that I was give a life ban. In Abu Dhabi, she was told to contact Ajman immigration and ask for a document of the ban reasons. When she did, she was sent away and asked not to return. What can be done in this case?
A: Since there are no criminal records, your mother can approach the authorities in Abu Dhabi and submit a plea explaining the circumstances of the ban and request the cancellation of it. They are the only body authorised to look into your case and make a decision.
Q: My wife has been working on her own visa in Abu Dhabi for almost eight years now. We got married in the Philippines but she did not change her marital status at work or on her Emirates ID. Is that a breach of the law? Would she be deported or punished for that?
A: As per UAE law, there is no punishment since your wife’s residency is issued on the sponsorship of the employing company. As for modifying marital status, it is advised that she makes the modifications as soon as possible to avoid complications that may result from failing to do so.
If you have a question for our lawyer, please email it to newsdesk@thenational.ae with the subject line “Know the law”.