Saudi resident shares same name as individual blacklisted by UAE

I am a resident of Saudi Arabia, where I work as a telecoms engineer. I applied for a tourist visa for me and my family to visit the UAE for a holiday in September this year. My application was rejected, and after sending a friend to immigration I found out that I am apparently blacklisted and can never enter the UAE for the remainder of my whole life. This was shocking news as I have never visited the UAE, nor am I involved in anything which could result in that. How can I find out more and clear my name? I am concerned not just about correcting this, but also in case it would affect me in Saudi Arabia in any way. MI, Riyadh

If MI has never visited the UAE it is unusual that he could be banned from entering. I suspect he has been rejected because his name is the same as someone else on a blacklist, quite possibly a case of mistaken identity. My understanding, however, is that only absconders – those who have left the UAE without informing their employers and breaking the terms of their contract – or those with a criminal record are blacklisted. Steps to investigate this further include contacting the UAE Embassy in Riyadh to ask them to review the visa application. They may be able to cross-reference with the immigration department system to see if MI has been mixed up with someone with a similar name. There should be a retina scan in the system for anyone who has been blacklisted by the UAE Immigration Department, and once MI has a scan himself this should prove that he is not the same person who has been banned from entering the UAE. The decision rests with the Department of Immigration – its decision is final in every case.

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.

Follow us on Twitter @TheNationalPF