Can I be the sponsor for my former wife?

q I’m a western expatriate who has divorced my wife but I would like to know if I can I still sponsor her, although she is no longer my wife?

a There is no such thing as an ex-spouse’s visa, so your ex-wife would have to find work that would grant her a visa.

I’m from an Asian country and have a young boy with my wife, who is from another Asian country. I am afraid she might abduct him. Would I be allowed to put a travel ban on my child through the family courts without filing any case for custody or for divorce?

In accordance with Article 149, “the custodian may not take the child for travel outside the state without the written consent of the guardian of the person. If the guardian abstains from approving, the matter shall be referred to the judge”. Also, Article 151/1 states that “if the custodian is another person than the mother, she may not take the child for travel without the guardian’s written consent”. So you should note that it is a legal requirement that your wife gets your permission before taking your son abroad but if your fear is that she may take him illegally, then you do have the right to pre-emptively file a travel ban application. You can, in fact, do this even if there is no risk of child abduction. Our legal expert is Hassan Mohsen Elhais, of Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants. If you have a question for our lawyer, email media@professionallawyer.me with the subject line ‘Family Matters’. The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.