Ali Saeed Alkaabi, a beacon of hope for many expats in the UAE, retired from his full-time job in 2013 to dedicate his life to serving the expat community. Having witnessed the fear and confusion among expats facing legal challenges, Alkaabi realized the need for guidance and support for those struggling to understand local laws and procedures. He has since been providing advice and legal solutions to expats navigating various legal issues in the UAE. Reflecting on his mission, Alkaabi urges individuals to approach the relevant authorities for assistance rather than relying on typing centres for advice.
Since 2013, Alkaabi has helped thousands of expats through challenging situations, ranging from visa overstays to more severe legal problems. While the expat community may not fully grasp the accommodation of UAE law, Alkaabi emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of violations for effective resolution. Despite his significant impact in assisting expats, Alkaabi remains humble about the number of people he has helped over the years, emphasizing his commitment to serving the community without keeping tally.
One memorable story that Alkaabi recalls involves a Pakistani expat who had overstayed his visa for more than five years, facing substantial fines. Through Alkaabi’s intervention, the expat’s fine was reduced, enabling him to continue residing in the UAE while seeking employment to support his family. During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alkaabi also assisted the same expat in finding a job to manage his expenses until he could return home in 2023. Alkaabi’s efforts have especially benefited labourers who face challenges due to illegal residency issues, often brought to the UAE on visit visas by manpower companies that shut down, leaving them without valid residency.
The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the difficulties faced by expats, with many small businesses closing down and employees left in a legal limbo without the ability to cancel their visas. Alkaabi highlights the plight of employees stranded for years due to owners fleeing the country without formally cancelling licenses, underscoring the need for systemic support for expats during challenging times. As an advisor on government-related matters for expatriate workers, Alkaabi’s tireless efforts have restored hope for many expats in distress, solidifying his position as a cherished figure within the expat community. Currently serving as a member of the Youth Council in Hatta, Ali continues his invaluable work, extending a helping hand to those in need.
