A reader from Dubai asks: I worked for a private company for more than two years. I submitted my resignation, and when I received my rights in full, the company cancelled my visa and a six-month ban was imposed on me. I now have a job with a government department. My question here is, whether I may lift the ban since I am going to work for a government department, please advise in this regard, especially as I have reviewed the previous sponsor with respect to lifting the ban and he requested an amount in return for lifting the ban.

I would like to point out that the six- month ban imposed by the Ministry of Labour does not apply to government departments. Therefore, the questioner may submit his appointment papers to the concerned government department and the latter in turn will obtain the required work visa through the Department of Naturalisation and Residence.

Questions answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants.