Immigration travel ban

In South Africa
Last Updated: Apr 5, 2026
In 2019 I moved to Dubai with my little 4yr old daughter. We came on visit visa in Feb 2019. In March 2019 I started working as a Procurement Manager at [company removed]. They provided me with a residency visa. May 2019 they terminated my contract and cancelled my visa. I then started working for [company removed] in JLT in June 2019. I was told that they are in the process of doing my visa. I worked a few months, no visa was applied for and they terminated my contract. At this time I lived in a rented apartment. I was terminated without payment. My cheques bounced of which I had to pay fines at the police station. I had to move to a different apartment where the same thing happened and I was left in the dark. They switched off the electricity, kept my furniture and belongings and told me to leave the apartment. By this time I was in overstay. By the time I could sort out the rental case of the first apartment, I had to leave the country and took an outpass because I couldn't pay the amount of the fine (about 4000 AED). A year or so later I called and asked someone to check if I still had a ban so that I could pay the fine, but I was told there is nothing on the immigration system and I was clear. I did this for a few years in a row and was told the same thing. So this year I am in a much better position than before and want to travel with my kids to Dubai — I booked flights for 20 April. I applied for visas and they got rejected due to previous ban. I am now told it's the overstay fine. How can I get this sorted ASAP before I am due to travel as I need to reapply for visas?

Lawyer Answers

AZ&Co. Legal

AZ&Co. Legal

Apr 7, 2026

Hi Sir, Thank you for your detailed explanation of your situation.


Based on what you’ve described, this situation is a typical scenario of immigration records where an overstay fine remains linked to your file despite informal checks suggesting everything is clear.


Leaving on an outpass without settling the fine usually means the amount stays registered in the system, and it can later trigger a restriction or rejection when you apply for a new visa — which appears to be what’s happening now.


The key issue here is not necessarily a “ban” in the traditional sense, but an unresolved immigration liability that must be cleared properly before any new application will be approved.


These matters can usually be resolved, but they require a formal check against your immigration file and the correct process to clear the fine and lift any associated restriction.


Given your travel date is very close, this is something you should address urgently through the proper channels.


If you’d like, you can reach out to me privately and I can guide you on getting this resolved as quickly as possible.

Regards,

Rakhi

ASK A FREE QUESTION

Free • Anonymous • Expert Lawyers

Need Personal Legal Help?

Connect with experienced lawyers in your area for personalized advice on your specific situation.

No obligation to hire. 100% free service.