Blacklisting in UAE depends on circumstances of the departure

Keren Bobker advises a worker who left Abu Dhabi in 2008 but would like to return.

I worked in Abu Dhabi from August 2005 to February 2008. I left permanently, and as I would like to return I would like to know if I am blacklisted. Can you tell me please? SM, India

Someone is usually only blacklisted if they absconded – or left without giving their employer notice – and did not properly cancel a visa or if there is a criminal case against them. SM has not told me about the circumstances of his departure, so this could make a difference to his ability to return. If he did not abscond and his previous employer did not file a case against him, then any ban should have expired by now. The only way of being sure is to contact the Ministry of Labour or Immigration Department for confirmation. This column is unable to assist with these types of queries. Information should be available by telephone. In Abu Dhabi, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs can be contacted at [phone] or through its website, www.adnrd.ae. In Dubai, log on to www.dnrd.ae or contact by phone at 800 5111 (from inside UAE) or at [phone].

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 20 years of experience. Contact her at [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.

The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.

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