Just like every other sovereign state, everyone in the UAE has the right to travel both within the country and internationally unless the law specifically restricts it. One of these restrictions is the UAE travel ban.
Travel bans are common in the UAE and can be imposed for different reasons, such as committing a crime, violating immigration laws, having unpaid debts, or being involved in civil disputes. In this article, we will talk about what is a UAE travel ban, the reasons, and how to check the travel ban in the UAE.
What is a Travel Ban?
A travel ban is a restriction on an individual’s ability to move freely across borders. When the UAE government issues a travel ban, it prevents the person from leaving or entering the country. There are several reasons why a travel ban may be imposed, including legal issues or immigration violations.
It is important to note that a travel ban is different from other legal actions, such as a labor ban or an arrest warrant.
UAE Laws on Travel Bans
The UAE does not have a specific law dedicated solely to travel bans and their removal. However, the concept of a travel ban is covered in several federal laws.
These laws outline the conditions under which a travel ban can be imposed. One key law is Federal Law Number 6 of 1972, which deals with immigration. This law was amended by Ministerial Decree Number 83 of 2002. The decree provides a list of situations where an individual may be restricted from entering or leaving the UAE.
Categories of Individuals Restricted from Entering the UAE
There are several reasons why someone may be banned from entering the UAE. These include:
- Someone who has been deported by the relevant authorities.
- A person who has a criminal complaint filed against them.
- An individual who has been expelled from a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country or has a travel ban from such countries.
- A person who has a contagious disease that poses a threat to public health.
- Anyone involved in activities reported by Interpol.
Categories of Individuals Restricted from Leaving the UAE
In addition to restrictions on entering the country, there are also situations where a person may be prevented from leaving the UAE. These include:
- A ban issued by a criminal or civil court.
- A travel ban was imposed by a public prosecutor during an ongoing investigation.
- A ban was imposed by the Minister on individuals who owe debts to the UAE government.
Why It is Important to Check for a Travel Ban Before You Travel
Before planning any trip, it is important to check if there is a travel ban against you in the UAE. Doing this can help you avoid many problems that might arise if the ban is discovered too late. Here are the reasons why checking for a travel ban is so important.
a. Preventing Legal Issues
If you break a travel ban, you could face serious legal consequences, such as fines, longer travel restrictions, or even jail time.
Checking UAE travel bans before traveling will help you take the necessary steps to fix any issues and stay within the law, avoiding further problems.
b. Avoiding Problems at the Airport
If you try to leave the UAE while a travel ban is in place, you may be stopped at the airport. This could cause stress, delay your travel, and even result in legal issues. You can ensure your journey goes smoothly by checking your status before your trip.
c. Protecting Your Finances and Personal Life
If the ban is related to money issues, like unpaid debts, it is important to resolve it before you travel. If you don’t, it could lead to more fines or legal fees. A travel ban can affect personal plans like family visits or vacations. It can also disrupt your work, such as business trips or job moves. Checking in advance helps you avoid these problems.
d. Solving Problems Early
If there is a travel ban, finding out early gives you time to address the issues, whether they are legal, financial, or immigration-related. This can help prevent bigger problems later. Knowing about the ban ahead of time allows you to seek legal help, negotiate solutions, or take other steps to remove the ban before it interferes with your travel.
e. Peace of Mind
Traveling can be stressful, and worrying about a possible travel ban can make it worse. Checking beforehand gives you peace of mind, knowing your trip won’t be interrupted by legal issues. If you know there is no travel ban, you can make your travel plans with confidence.
Types of UAE Travel Bans and How to Remove Them
In the UAE, travel bans are often imposed for various reasons. While there is no specific law dedicated solely to travel bans, they are regulated under different federal laws and can be imposed under specific circumstances.
These bans can apply to expatriates and are generally enforced to protect public order and ensure legal compliance.
Below are the common types of travel bans in the UAE, the reasons behind them, and the procedures to remove them.
1. Residency and Immigration Violations
Travel bans in the UAE are often imposed due to violations of residency or immigration laws. Common reasons for such bans include:
- Overstaying a visa.
- Working without a valid work permit.
- Entering the country illegally.
- Leaving a job or resigning without properly updating the employer or canceling the work permit.
These violations are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the UAE. The ban ensures that individuals remain in the country to address their immigration issues.
Why is it Imposed?
A travel ban related to immigration violations serves to keep individuals in the country until their status is regularized.
The ban ensures compliance with immigration laws, such as paying fines, updating visa statuses, or adhering to deportation orders.
These measures help prevent individuals from fleeing the country without resolving their legal obligations.
How to Remove this Ban?
Individuals must resolve their immigration issues, such as paying fines, updating their visa status, or fulfilling other requirements for ban removal.
Once the concerned individual takes these steps, the travel ban can be removed. However, if the issues remain unresolved, the travel restrictions can be extended. In some cases, it may lead to deportation.
It is advisable to consult with experienced criminal lawyers in Dubai to guide the process of removing the ban effectively.
2. Unpaid Debts and Financial Disputes
One of the most common reasons for a travel ban in the UAE is unpaid debts. If someone defaults on a loan or issues a bounced cheque, creditors can request a travel ban to prevent the debtor from leaving the country without settling the debt.
Why is it Imposed?
This travel ban serves as a security measure to ensure the debtor does not leave the UAE, which would prevent the creditor from recovering the debt. This ban can be requested by financial institutions, businesses, or individuals.
Conditions for Imposition
The debt must exceed AED 10,000.
The amount of the debt must be clear and definite.
The creditor must prove that the debtor intends to flee the country.
How to Remove the Financial Ban?
A travel ban due to unpaid debts can be lifted once the debt is settled. In some cases, the debtor can object to the ban by filing a complaint with a higher court. The creditor may also withdraw the request for the ban, or the debtor can provide a bank guarantee to lift the ban.
3. Criminal Offenses
A travel ban is automatically imposed if a person is charged with a criminal offense. This can include serious crimes such as fraud, theft, assault, or drug-related offenses. It can also apply in cases of civil or commercial disputes, like bouncing a cheque.
Why is it Imposed?
The purpose of the travel ban in criminal cases is to prevent the accused from fleeing the country before they are tried in court. It ensures that the individual remains available for questioning, court appearances, or legal obligations.
How to Remove This Ban?
The ban remains in place until the completion of investigation and trial. In some cases, the accused can apply for bail and be released from police custody but will still be restricted from traveling until the case is resolved. The ban is typically lifted once the case is concluded.
4. Personal Status Law (Family Disputes)
Under the Personal Status Law (Federal Law Number 28 of 2005), a guardian can request a travel ban for a child. This prevents the child from leaving the country without the guardian’s permission. It is commonly imposed in situations of child custody disputes.
Why is it imposed?
The ban is designed to prevent the child from being taken out of the country by a parent or guardian without prior approval. If the travel occurs without consent, the parent must justify the reasons to the court.
How to Remove This Ban?
The procedure for a child’s travel ban is quick, typically completed within 24 hours of applying. A parent or guardian can apply for the removal of the ban by presenting strong reasons. Legal representation is often advised to help with the application process.
5. Employment-Related Issues
In cases of employment disputes, such as breach of contract or unpaid wages, a travel ban may be imposed. This is often requested by an employer to ensure that an employee does not leave the country before resolving the dispute.
Why is it imposed?
Employers can request a travel ban to protect their rights and ensure that the employee addresses any financial or legal obligations. It is also common when an employee is under investigation for misconduct or financial disputes.
How to Remove This Ban?
The travel ban remains in effect until the dispute is resolved through legal action, negotiation, or the employee fulfilling their obligations. Once the issue is resolved, the ban can be lifted.
How to Check a UAE Travel Ban Status?
If you are wondering how to check your travel UAE travel ban status, there are a few ways to find out. Here are some of them.
1. Check Through a Lawyer
If you think a travel ban may be imposed on you, hiring a lawyer is a good option. A lawyer can check your status and help you if there’s a possibility of an arrest warrant being issued. This is especially helpful if you are facing serious legal issues.
2. Check Through the Dubai Police
At a Police Station
You can visit any Dubai Police station to ask if there are any criminal complaints filed against you, especially in financial cases. Police stations are open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Online or Using the Dubai Police App
You can also check your travel ban status online through the Dubai Police website or app. Here’s how:
Go to the Dubai Police website or download their app from iTunes or Google Play.
- Find the “Services” section and select “Reports Services.”
- Click on “Criminal Status of Financial Cases.”
- Select “Access Service” on the top-left corner.
- Enter your name and Emirates ID number.
If a travel ban is in place, you will be notified and told to visit any Dubai Police station with your Emirates ID, passport copy, and an “authority letter.”
There is no fee for checking your travel ban status online. If you need help, you can call the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department at 901 or contact them via email on their website. Smart Police stations are available 24/7.
3. Check Your Travel Ban Status at the Airport
If you are traveling, you can also check for any travel bans at the airport before you leave. Make sure you know all the reasons that could lead to a travel ban, such as unpaid debts or legal disputes.
4. How to Check Your Immigration Ban Status in Abu Dhabi
If you live in Abu Dhabi, you can use the Estafser e-service to check if there are any legal claims against you in public prosecution.
Here is how to use Estafser:
- Visit the Estafser website.
- Enter your Unified Identification Number (UID).
- Click “Search.”
- Follow the next steps to complete the process.
Important Things to Consider for UAE Travel Bans
You will need a few important documents to check your UAE travel ban status
- Emirates ID: This is your main identification in the UAE and is necessary for checking your travel ban status.
- Passport: Keep your passport handy, as you may need it for verification or additional details.
- Case Reference Number: If your travel ban is linked to a legal case, having the case reference number will help provide accurate information.
When checking your status, ensure your personal information is kept confidential by using secure, official platforms like the Dubai Police website or Estafser service. Avoid using unofficial websites to protect your data from being misused.
Be sure your details are updated to avoid incorrect results. If you find a travel ban or are unsure about the reason, consider consulting a lawyer. Legal professionals can help resolve the issue and assist in lifting the ban.
Steps to Take in Case of UAE Travel Bans
If you have a travel ban in the UAE, it’s important to act quickly and address the issue. Here is what you should do.
1. Verify the Ban
The first step is to find out the reason for the ban. Use official channels like the Dubai Police website or visit the relevant authorities in person. This will help you get accurate information.
2. Get the Services of a Lawyer
Once you know the reason for the ban, consult a lawyer who specializes in UAE law. A lawyer can explain the legal implications of the ban and suggest the best way to resolve the issue.
3. Address Any Financial Issues
If the ban is due to unpaid debts or financial disputes, settle the payments as soon as possible. You can negotiate with creditors or use mediation services to come to an agreement that can help lift the ban.
4. Address Legal Matters
If the ban is linked to legal proceedings, make sure to attend all court hearings. You can appeal the decision if necessary, and your lawyer can help with this.
5. Clear Immigration Violations
If the ban is related to immigration violations, pay any fines or penalties. If needed, regularize your residency status by renewing your visa or fulfilling immigration requirements.
Difference between Travel Ban and Other Restrictions
It is important to note that a travel ban in the UAE is different from other actions such as arrest warrants, deportations, etc.
a. Travel Ban Vs Deportation
The key difference between a travel ban and deportation lies in their purposes. A travel ban is imposed to protect the individual’s interests, while deportation is carried out to serve the public’s interest.
The aim of deportation is often related to maintaining public safety or order, whereas a travel ban focuses on restricting an individual’s movement.
Lifting a Deportation Order
Although challenging, it is possible to annul a deportation order. According to Article 132 of the UAE Penal Code, a deportation order can be lifted if requested by the relevant authority. However, this process is not easy and typically requires strong justification.
Deportation and Travel Ban Combined
When a person faces both deportation and a travel ban, the Civil Procedure Law provides a solution. An ad hoc committee is formed to review the case and decide on its merit. If there is sufficient evidence of outstanding debts, the deportation order may be temporarily suspended until the matter is resolved.
b. Travel Ban Vs. Labour Ban
A labor ban does not stop someone from entering or leaving the UAE. Instead, it prevents them from obtaining a work permit for a certain period. This ban is based on the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law Number 8 of 1980).
After this period, the individual can apply for work in the UAE again, either in sectors where a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) is not required, such as in free zones or the public sector.
On the other hand, a travel ban is much broader. It prevents a person from entering the UAE for any reason, whether related to work, tourism, or any other purpose.
c. Travel Ban vs. Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant is issued when a person has committed a criminal offense or failed to comply with a court order.
According to the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law Number 3 of 1987), a person may be detained if there is enough evidence of their crime.
A warrant can also be issued under the Civil Procedure Code (Federal Law Number 11 of 1992) if a person owes more than AED 10,000 and fails to pay.
Purpose of Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant’s purpose is to detain someone, while the purpose of a travel ban is to stop a person from leaving or entering the country. However, an arrest warrant can include a travel ban as part of the process, but not all travel bans involve an arrest warrant.
In most cases, a travel ban means the individual cannot cross the border. However, they are not necessarily detained at the airport unless specifically ordered by the court or relevant authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return to the UAE after deportation?
It depends. Re-entering the UAE after deportation is typically difficult but possible in some situations. However, you can apply for a special permit from UAE immigration authorities. Your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed. It is advised to consult with a legal expert to understand your specific circumstances and the likelihood of re-entry.
Can I return to the UAE after leaving with an outpass?
Yes, you can return to the UAE after using an outpass as long as there are no additional bans or restrictions against you. However, there are certain conditions:
- Make sure all previous legal or financial matters are settled.
- Follow the correct visa process when reapplying for entry.
Does a UAE travel ban affect entry to other GCC countries?
Generally, a UAE travel ban only prevents entry to or exit from the UAE. However, if the ban is linked to serious criminal activity or if there is a GCC-wide enforcement agreement, it may impact your entry to other GCC countries. Therefore, confirm with the relevant authorities of the GCC country you plan to visit.
How can I check my UAE criminal record?
You can check your UAE criminal record via the following ways
Online Method
- Visit the Dubai Police website or app and use the “Criminal Status of Financial Cases” service.
- Enter your Emirates ID or passport number.
In-Person Method
Go to any police station or the Ministry of Interior office to request a criminal record check.
How can I check if there is a GCC travel ban against me?
To check if you have a GCC travel ban,
- Visit the immigration or residency department in any GCC country.
- Use online services provided by each GCC country (e.g., MOI websites).
If you are unsure which country imposed the ban, consult a legal expert or the embassy for accurate information.
How long does a travel ban last in the UAE?
The duration of a travel ban in the UAE varies depending on the reason for the ban. For example, financial or legal bans may last until the issue or case is resolved. Immigration bans for visa violations may last for a specific period, such as one year.
How can I check a travel ban in the Northern Emirates?
If you are based in one of the Northern Emirates (other than Dubai or Abu Dhabi), the process for checking a travel ban is different.
You need to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Alternatively, you can hire a lawyer to help you.
How can I check a travel ban in Dubai?
To check your travel ban status in Dubai, you can:
- Visit a Dubai Police station.
- Hire a lawyer to check your status for you.
- Call the Amer Centre.
- Use the Dubai Police website or mobile app.
How can I appeal a travel ban in the UAE?
You can appeal a travel ban by submitting a request through the Ministry of Justice website. Alternatively, you can hire a lawyer to represent you.
Does a travel ban lead to arrest?
Whether a travel ban leads to arrest depends on the specifics of the case. If someone has committed a criminal offense, arrest warrants may be issued by the relevant authorities under Articles 45-46 of Federal Law Number 3 of 1987.