Couple plan for Dubai return after one-year ban but want to avoid immigration issues

Keren Bobker advises a couple who plan on having a holiday in Dubai but are concerned about entering the country.

Keren Bobker advises a couple who want to travel into Dubai but are concerned about immigration issues after a ban. Pictured, Dubai International Airport. AP Photo

Could you help me check if my wife is on a blacklist in Dubai? She was deported 10 years ago after they took fingerprints and had an iris scan done. The sticker on the passport says one-year ban. We don't live in Dubai and are planning to be there on holiday. I just want to ensure there are no surprises with immigration at the airport. VK, India

The National cannot assist with checking on individual cases but it is not complicated for someone to do so themselves. VK's wife should contact the Department of Immigration to see if there are any cases registered against her name, although this should show up when requesting a visit/tourist visa. Each emirate has its own General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs, so she should contact the department in the emirate where she plans to arrive and have her passport details to hand. The telephone numbers are [phone] for Abu Dhabi, [phone] for Dubai and [phone] for Sharjah.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ 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.

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