A long-term resident of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has found herself in a distressing situation after her tourist visa application was unexpectedly rejected, leaving all her personal belongings — including her car — stuck in the Gulf nation. The woman, who had been living and working in the UAE for the past eight years, had recently resigned from her job to relocate to the United States. But in the midst of this major life transition, she has hit an unforeseen bureaucratic roadblock.
Left in Limbo After Sudden Visa Rejection
According to her post shared on Reddit, she had briefly left the UAE to travel to the U.S. and secure housing ahead of her full relocation. Her intention was to return within a couple of weeks on a tourist visa to wrap up all remaining obligations — including closing her lease, shutting down bank accounts, paying utility bills, and shipping her belongings.
Just three days ago, she applied for a tourist visa — something she had successfully done multiple times in the past. However, this time her application was rejected without any clear explanation. “I didn’t overstay, I have no fines, and I’ve never broken any laws. I still have a valid lease and active accounts there,” she wrote in the post, clearly distraught and confused.
Online Community Weighs In with Solutions
The Reddit thread quickly filled with support and suggestions. One user pointed out the obvious workaround: ask a trusted person currently in the UAE to manage the process on her behalf. “You 100% could get someone you trust to help you there,” the user said, suggesting that she authorize a friend or a professional moving service to handle her affairs.
However, not everything can be resolved from abroad. Closing a lease, selling a car, and deactivating bank accounts may require her physical presence or notarized power of attorney — which could prove complicated without re-entry into the country.