Is it possible to return to UAE after exile? Everything to learn about laws, process and exceptions. world News
What is exile?
Exile means a legal removal of a non-citizen from a country. In the UAE, exile is a serious remedy that applies to foreign nationals who commit some crime or is considered a threat to public safety, safety or morality. This process is implemented under strict legal provisions and, once executed, permanently can prevent the person from entering the country again until the discount is provided.The UAE has two main types of exile:
- Judicial (legal) exile
- Administrative exile
Each type is governed by various laws, officers and procedures, determining whether a person is permanently expelled from the country, the possibility of withdrawal, and how can the appeal be made.
Judicial exile: Adultems ordered by the court based on criminal punishment
Judicial exile is issued by a court after a foreign national is convicted for crime. This type of exile is controlled by Article 121 of the Federal Law No. 3 (UAE Penal Code) of 1987, as amended by the federal law number 34 of 2005 and further modified by the 2016 Federal Dickry-Lo number 7.
- A foreign national should be deported if a hooliganism (serious criminal offense) is convicted, for which a detention sentence (ie, jail sentence) is imposed.
- Compulsory exile also applies to crimes related to sexual harassment or related crimes.
- In other misconduct (less serious crimes), the court has discretion:
- Issue exile orders
- Change the duration of the gel with exile
- Allow the person to remain based on the specific case
This means that for serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, rape, or violent attacks, exile is not optional, it is automatically imposed by law. In contrast, for minor offenses such as bounced checks or oral disputes, the decision is dependent on court assessment.
Administrative Exile: Receipt issued by the authority for public interest
Administrative exile is not associated with a criminal punishment. It is executed by competent government bodies when a foreign national is considered a threat to public safety, morality, or health, or lacks adequate means of life. This type of exile is issued:
- Ministerial decision number 360 of 1997 (Executive Rules of Law No. 6 of 1973 at the entry and residence abroad)
- Revealed by decree law number 17 of 2017
Who has the power to order administrative exile?
- Federal public prosecutor or their legal representative
- Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Safety (ICP) or their authorized representative
Even if a foreign national holds a valid visa or residency permit, a deportation order can still be issued if necessary:
- Threat to public safety, public morality, public health or national security
- Lack of clear means of living
- Other discretionary causes are considered in public interest
The exile order may also include the dependents of the person, such as spouse or children, if they trust the person for financial assistance. Even minors can be deported under judicial exile if considered necessary by the court. For example, repeat the teenage criminals involved in theft or violence can face expulsion, especially if their actions are threatened with public orders.
Institutional Authority: Role of ICP
Under the federal decree law number 3 of 2017, related to all powers and responsibilities:
- nationality
- Passport
- Entry and residence of foreigners
… originally under the Internal Ministry, now transferred to the Federal Authority for identity and citizenship (which is now known as ICP). The ICP practices complete legal jurisdiction to manage exile affairs, admission permits and related matters as part of its national mandate.
Exile and execution of financial obligations
Once exile order, judicial or administrative, is finalized:
- Once a person is deported, they are added to an electronic blacklist used by UAE immigration systems
- They are removed from the UAE, often after completing any jail sentence or paying a fine
- Illegal return, including an attempts to use false identity or fake passport, is a criminal offense and strictly monitored
- The UAE law enforcement cooperates with international security partners, airlines and travel agencies to prevent re -entry by blacklisted persons
Experimentation expenses (according to law by decree):
According to Article 17, the Chairman of the Federal Authority can direct the costs related to exile:
- If available then the exiled person’s own funds
- Employer, if there is a violation of labor or residence law
- Otherwise, the government (ICA) will cover the costs
Grace period for disposal of interests in UAE
A exile person may have business behavior, employment, assets or family responsibilities that require time to solve. under the law:
- A grace period can be given to dispose of personal or financial matters
- It is subject to the approval of ICP
- A person should submit a financial guarantee (bail)
- The maximum duration allowed is three months
This window is not automatic, it should be requested and considered to be based on the case-by-case.
Can exile be raised or canceled?
Yes. A foreigner that has been deported in some cases may apply for special permission to return to the UAE. This applies to both judicial and administrative exile, although not all applications are accepted.Legal basis for re -entry:
- Article 18 of the federal law by decree number (29) of 2021 regarding the entry and residence of foreigners:
A foreigner, who has been BEDport, cannot return to the UAE until he receives special permission from the Federal Authority Chairman for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
Application process:
- Present a formal request to the Department of Naturalization and Residences of relevant Emirates
- include:
- Details of previous residence
- Causes due to original exile
- Justification for returning
- Changes in personal or legal conditions
- Assistant Documents (Employment offer, Family Relations, Rehabilitation Records, etc.
Alternatively, the person may appoint a legal representative or lawyer to handle the process. In Dubai, applications for lifting exile can be submitted online through public prosecution website. A special legal committee reviews each case and decides on the basis:
- Severity of basic crime
- Was the crime intentionally or for the first time
- Applicant behavior before and after exile
- Gave any new risk for public safety
Whether the documents should be presented, there are no definite requirements for this, but strong support evidence enhances the possibility of approval.Disclaimer: This article is only for informative purposes and does not form legal advice. It provides an observation of exile procedure and related laws based on publicly available UAE law and official sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, errors or misinterpretation may occur. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified lawyer or legal professional. This material is only for general awareness.
