Can I Visit the UAE on a Tourist Visa After My Work Visa Was Canceled?

Hi, I am Mohd Ateeq. I was working in the UAE from 2014 to 2015. I received a better offer from another bank, so I resigned from my job. I had already resigned and completed my notice period, but my salary was not given as promised because they said it would be provided after visa cancellation. I submitted my passport, Emirates ID card, and labor card for visa cancellation.

The next day, I received a call from my home informing me of an emergency in India—my dad was admitted to the hospital in the ICU. I urgently approached my HR and requested my passport due to the emergency. They asked me to deposit an amount, but I reminded them that my salary was pending with them. After this reminder, they agreed and handed over my passport, instructing me to return within 15 days.

Due to the situation in India, I couldn't return to the UAE. Later, I received an email from HR stating that my visa had been canceled along with a copy of the cancellation in Arabic, which I couldn't understand. My visa was canceled in 2015, and though I have no plans to work in the UAE again, I am curious if I can visit on a tourist visa. Last year, my family visited the UAE on a holiday, but I refrained from joining them out of fear of potential airport issues.

Could you please advise if it is possible for me to travel to the UAE on a tourist visa at any time?

Thank you and regards,
Mohammed Ateeq

Hi, I am Mohd Ateeq. I was working in the UAE from 2014 to 2015. I got a better offer from another bank, so I resigned from my job. I had already resigned and completed my notice period, but my salary was not given as promised, as they said it would be provided after visa cancellation. I submitted my passport, Emirates ID card, and labor card for visa cancellation.

The next day, I received a call from my home informing me of an emergency in India—my dad had been admitted to the hospital ICU. I rushed to my HR and requested my passport urgently. When I asked for my passport, they requested a deposit. I reminded them that my salary was still with them, after which they agreed and returned my passport, instructing me to return within 15 days.

Due to the situation in India, I could not return to the UAE. After some days, I received an email from HR stating that my visa had been cancelled, along with a copy of the cancellation in Arabic, which I couldn't understand.

Now, my query is regarding my visa cancellation in 2015. I have no plans to work in the UAE again, but I am interested in visiting on a tourist visa. Last year, my family visited the UAE for a holiday, but I did not accompany them due to concerns about potential issues at the airport. Can you please advise if it is possible for me to travel to the UAE on a tourist visa at any time?

Thank you.

Regards,
Mohammed Ateeq

Hi Mohammed,

To the best of my knowledge, I don't see any issues in your case. You can apply for a Tourist Visa and visit the UAE. You can even try for a work permit. Only for people who engage in unwanted issues in the UAE against their rules and regulations, their passport will be blacklisted. However, you can cross-check with a reputable travel agent and also read the content of the letter received through somebody who knows the Arabic language.