I am from India and in February 2016 I was deported from the UAE for overstaying on a visa. In June I applied for a tourist visa but it was rejected. How long will I be banned for? I want to return to Dubai to take on a job. MS, India
If anyone overstays a visa, whether a tourist visa or the grace period of 30 days when an employment visa is cancelled, they are subject to daily fines and can also be deported. The rules were laid down in Federal Law No 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, although there have been a few amendments to this over the years, most notable by Federal Law No (13) for 1996 Concerning “Aliens Entry and Residence”.
In most cases the individual will be subject to a ban on entering the UAE for a full calendar year after the deportation date, so any applications for visas in that time will be immediately rejected. Article 28 of the original law states that: "An alien who has been deported may not return to the country except with special permission from the Minister of Interior." Although the main cause for a lifetime ban or being permanently "blacklisted" is because of criminal issues, there are cases where someone has a longer ban after deportation. The individual will need to make their own inquires to establish the length of the ban, either directly to the Ministry of Interior or preferably to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs – Dubai. The latter states that they provide information regarding bans on the website dnrd.ae/en.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
pf@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @TheNationalPF