When the fines reached Dh712,400 for the four of them, it became too much to bear for Anne.

“I broke down in tears. We have no means to pay such a huge amount. We can’t afford to be banned in the UAE because our life is here now.”

Finally in December, the couple sought the help of Attorney Barney Almazar, director at Gulf Law, who guided them on the process of legalising their status in the UAE.

The GDRFA waived their fines and instead asked them to pay Dh4,000 each.

“I am grateful for the UAE government’s forgiving spirit. We felt as if a heavy load was removed from our shoulders. There’s still hope,” she said.

Anne urged residents going through the same experience to take her advice: “Please seek legal help right away and do not resort to fixers. We took a “shortcut” thinking it would make things easier for us, thinking it was legal, but it did the exact opposite.”

Almazar said people staying illegally in the country may legalise their status but there are grounds. In this family’s case, they were duped and they had proof. Therefore, they appealed their case and were heard.

Almazar cautioned those staying illegally to not waste time. “Act as early as possible because your fines will accumulate. If you plan to surrender to authorities, make sure that all your identification documents and supporting proof are in order. Know the law first. Only transact with immigration officials and pay at the counter,” Almazar told Gulf News.

As for Anne and the kids, she said they will take a short break in the Philippines and “will come back with valid visa to Dubai, our second home, and continue with life.”

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