Update: Things Aren't Going to Plan... Or Are They?

In my last post, I explained that Sharjah’s immigration authority had rejected my visa application but that I had an appointment where I was hoping to be told why the application was rejected and perhaps get some instructions on how to rectify the situation…

Well, it turns out the appointment wasn’t much help!

Let me rewind and give you a little bit more background information.

To get an investor visa for the UAE, I first had to set up a company in the UAE. The new company (that I owned) would then apply for an investor visa for me personally, following which I could then sponsor my family to join me at the appropriate time.

I chose to set up my company via the Shams Free Zone in Sharjah, as the Sharjah Free Zone option was the cheapest option, and it made sense, as Sharjah was where I wanted to live.

The business setup process went smoothly, as I had the help of a business setup consultant (whom I didn’t have to pay as he was getting his commission from Shams Free Zone).

The problem came with the visa application, which Sharjah’s immigration department rejected with no reason given. When I tried to find out why, I was passed from pillar to post over a period of two weeks, only to eventually be told that the visa was rejected for ‘security reasons’, that no other reason would be given, and that there was no right of appeal.

And that, as they say, was that!

Although there was no reason given, I have my suspicions, but I’ll save those for another day.

So, what next?

Well, I’m not giving up just yet! I’ve been advised that applying via Dubai (instead of Sharjah) might be worth trying.

I’m currently in the process of closing down the company I just set up via the Sharjah Free Zone (I won’t be getting any of that money back) and setting up a new company in Dubai before trying a second time for the visa application.

If it’s rejected again, then that really will be that!

Although it might feel like things aren’t going according to plan, I always try to remind myself that whilst they might not be going according to my plan, they are 100% going according to Allah’s plan (ﷻ).

I also remind myself that when a path is completely blocked off, I should be grateful and not despondent because it is, insha-Allah, the answer to the du’a I made when I prayed Salat al-Istikhara and asked my Loving Master:

وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ

“…And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood and worldly affairs, and in the hereafter, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me the good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”

Whatever the outcome is of the latest application, it will be for the best, insha-Allah.

If it’s another rejection, then I have complete conviction that Allah ﷻ will grant me something better than it, if He wills!

For now, I’m back in the UK (I have been for a couple of weeks), spending some precious time with my family during this blessed month.

The day after I landed, I was busy fixing a broken toilet at my mother-in-law’s house! As my wife was keen to remind me, “Oh, how the mighty have fallen!”. Lol.

Alhamdulillah, being around my family again is such a blessing, even if it means I have to do some plumbing and DIY!

Alhamdulillah for every blessing we enjoy, whether we recognise it or not, whether we’re mindful of it or take it for granted.

May Allah forgive us for our ungratefulness and give us the ability to worship Him ﷻ as He deserves to be worshipped.

And may He grant us the ability to see the trials and tribulations of life for what they truly are, and allow us to be among those who place their complete trust in Him ﷻ, because that is the path to His Love.

Ameen.

فَإِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

“Once you make a firm decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.”

[Surah Aal-i-’Imran 3:159]

Ma'assalaam

Your brother,

Hanif