I am a single (never married) mother who moved to Dubai from South Africa for work, with my 2 year old child.The child's father was already in Dubai but we did not have a relationship or lived together in the UAE. He only pays for the child's school fees and that is all - at his own discretion.
We have been here for 2 years now and recently, the father has issued a travel ban on the child so she cannot leave the UAE. Even though the ban was not issued on me directly, I cannot travel without the child because of her age and the fact that she has lived solely with me since birth, and never with the father.
I have tried to have the ban lifted but the UAE law gives sole guardianship to the father which is completely unfair since I have guardianship as well under SA law.I have tried to reach out to the father but he refuses and is basically abusing the UAE laws and using it to his advantage.I have reached out to the SA embassy here in Dubai but they said they cannot help me.
I feel trapped and like myself and the child are being held hostage. In the event of an emergency at home in SA, I would not even be able to travel. This is a violation of our human rights.I am being financially drained because of all the legal proceedings. My child and I are being psychologically harmed due to the restriction of our movements and inability to see family.Please can someone advise or provide assistance in any way.