Question: My residence visa expired on March 1, 2018 and while I submitted for its renewal, it was rejected as I had four cases filed against me for credit cards of banks, real estate and car rental. The hearing date for the real estate case is posted to March 19. I am also negotiating with my bank to withdraw the case filed against me and the case related to car rented has been resolved. I am the sponsor of my family visa. Non-renewal of my visa would be a total disaster for us.

Answer: Renewal of residence visa of an expatriate in UAE is at the discretion of The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (the 'DNRD') who renew visa in normal course if there is no criminal charge against a person. In this case, there are criminal charges pending against you before the Dubai courts. It is not clear whether your passport is held by the court or it is with you. In any event, you may request the court to allow you to renew your visa and that of your family members. Should the court consider your request favourably, it will issue instructions to DNRD to renew your visa. Thereafter, you may renew the visa of your family members. For further advice, it is recommended to approach a legal counsel in the UAE.

Know the law

If your residence visa renewal is turned down, you may request the court to allow you to renew your visa and that of your family members. If the court considers your request favourably, it will issue instructions to The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to renew your visa.

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