Return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being deported is not merely a matter of booking a flight. The approach and strict conditions of re-entry are determined under UAE immigration laws concerning the nature of the deportation-whether the deportation was made because of a criminal case, some civil matter, or extradition.
In this article, eligibility for a deportee to return to the UAE will be explained with respect to the laws, requirements, and documentary evidence for the return of deportees. This is of particular interest regarding those who were previously deported but have a job offer in the UAE.
Article 18(1) of the Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, states that a person who is previously deported from the UAE should not re-enter the United Arab Emirates without prior approval of the President of the UAE. The law states as follows:
“The Foreigner who has previously been deported may not return to the State without a permission from chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.”
So when a person is deported-from whatever cause-that person cannot come back into the UAE without him or her receiving special permission from the government beforehand.
Dubai’s Expert Advice at Your Fingertips
There can be a number of reasons for deportation from the UAE.
Reasons for deportation include:
If anyone was extradited due to a financial dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, it is likely that the UAE authorities issued a formal deportation order, making them ineligible to return without prior approval.
You may want to know How to Remove Labour Ban Status in UAE in 2025
Yes, but this requires prior permission from the UAE government. Deportation itself tends to be permanent unless some special decision is made.
An application for re-entry into the UAE must adhere to the official process and evidence along with valid reason for entry.
It is important to make a request to the relevant authorities when a deported person intends to come back to the UAE.
Steps to follow:
The applicant must prepare and submit an application for re-entry to any of the following authorities:
The application must justify the re-entry request, like a valid job offer from a UAE company or family reunification.
The application should be supported by relevant documents, including:
When the application is finally submitted, it will be reviewed by the officials and may take time to get the decision. The result of any application is not assured as such final decisions are purely at the discretion of the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
You may want to know: Legal Recourse for UAE Employees Facing Verbal Abuse and Misconduct by Employers
Yes, the hiring of a licensed legal consultant or immigration lawyer in the UAE is substantially recommended.
Such professionals could:
Adhere to legal procedures, thus improving the chance of approval.
In case your application is rejected, the individual would not legally be allowed to enter UAE, and any attempts to do so would be punished with fines or arrest or perhaps further ban. The judgment of UAE authorities should be respected and there should not be any unlawful entry into the country.
If the situation changes or if better supporting documents come forth, one might file a new application later in time.
According to Article 18 of the Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021, the foreigner who has previously been deported may not return to the State without a permission from the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security. Whether the deportation was due to a financial issue, criminal matter, or any other reason, a legal re-entry is only possible through a formal application process.
A proper request with supporting documents and a clear reason to return-say, a job offer-might likely improve chances of approval-by working with proper legal consultant.
Read More About – How to Terminate an Employment Contract in UAE: A Guide for Employers and Employees
At HHS Dubai Lawyers, we practice immigration law in the UAE, including complex cases involving deportation and re-entry procedures. Whether you are someone who has been deported from the UAE or know one that has and wishes to return legally, we can:
Let us guide you to understand UAE legal laws with confidence and clarity. Call HHS Labour Lawyers in Dubai today for a consultation with our immigration and legal experts.