How to Check Travel Ban in the UAE? Step-by-step of Lifting Immigration Ban?

Travel ban UAE

In the UAE, some foreign individuals or even countries have a travel ban placed on them. What could possibly be a valid reason for such?

Travel ban in the UAE, just like every other country, is an immigration policy that restricts one from coming into a particular country or leaving as well.

Such a restriction doesn't just appear from nowhere, so next, we are going to explain the common reasons for a travel ban in the UAE.

Common reasons for a travel ban in the UAE

Unpaid debt

This happens when a debtor is taken to the court on the basis of not being willing or capable of paying up a debt. The creditor who possibly took the case to the court will undergo some legal protocols.

This involves notifying the debtor about having to face some legal decisions, filling some applications and paying the court fee. The debtor would be given a certain period of time (15 days) to respond to the judges ruling to pay the creditor or make some possible amendment.

If there is no response to that regard after 15 days, a travel ban will be placed on him or her.

In this case, the travel ban is meant to prevent the accused from leaving the UAE until the debt is fully paid.

Individuals who are owing the government still belong to this category. They may be owing the UAE government through fines and visa overstay or there is an ongoing investigation of cases involving them.

In this case such a person will not be allowed to leave the UAE. Sometimes, the debtors (owing the government) will be allowed to travel back to their home country without paying but they will not be allowed to enter the UAE again.

Violation of national immigration policy

This policy may include presentation of false travel documents, travelling with dangerous items or substances and any other offense that greatly violates the immigration policy of a country. Some of such offenses attract fines, jail or travel bans.

Criminal offense

This is one of the most common reasons for getting a travel ban. Every country has its own level of handling those with criminal offense records. So in the UAE some criminal offenses lead to deportation and a travel ban while in some cases, the accused will have to serve a jail term before finally being deported.

Illegal means of immigration

When one decides to take an illegal means to travel into a country. This may attract a travel ban with deportation.

Dangerous illness

In the UAE, carriers of some dangerous illnesses cannot be allowed to reside in the country to prevent their spread. Some of these illnesses include Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and HIV. This is why a medical examination is carried out while getting a residence visa to ensure one is free from those illnesses.

What happens when a travel ban is placed on you in the UAE

If you have a travel ban in the UAE, it's either restricting you from leaving the country or coming in. Below is a better illustration.

Travel ban to exit the country

This happens when one is restricted from leaving the country. Such a ban can be related to those who are owing the government or another individual.

The law is passed on them by the relevant legal or government authority. This means that unless such debts are cleared, the accused remains in the UAE.

Again, anyone with a current case investigation is mandated by law to remain in the UAE till the case is settled.

Travel ban to enter or re-enter the country

This may involve those banned because of their criminal offenses and violation of the UAE immigration laws.

Such a ban also includes anyone who has a travel ban from any of the GCC countries and also anyone with a serious illness prohibited in the UAE. In this case, the person is restricted from entering the UAE.

How to check travel ban in UAE

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check a travel ban in the UAE.

Option 1 - Police

1. Visit the Dubai police website at www.dubaipolice.gov.ae or download the Dubai police mobile app.
2. There are categories of various services. Under “criminal service” choose “criminal status of financial cases”. The criminal investigation department is in charge of this activity.
3. Login or register with your personal details or use the UAE pass.
4. Insert your name and Emirates ID number.
5. After a check, the status will be displayed.

Option 2 - lawyer

Get in touch with a UAE legal practitioner to carry out a verification process on your behalf. This is to confirm if you have an ongoing criminal case investigation or a travel ban. You will have to pay the lawyer thereafter.

Option 3 - call center

Call the Dubai police at 901 or email them at mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae or call the Amer service centre in Dubai on 8005111. When you call, try to enquire if there is a travel ban placed on you.

How to lift a travel ban in the UAE

Lifting a travel ban takes place when the accused has been found innocent or reconsidered with the penalty, but it depends on the type of crime committed.

The application is directed to the Ministry of Justice in the Emirate where you reside. The judicial inspection department and courts are responsible for handling the application for the cancellation of a travel ban. 

Steps to apply for the cancellation of a travel ban:

1. Login to the Ministry of Justice website at www.moj.gov.ae or download the MOJ UAE app.
2. Login or create an account
3. Submit your application in an electronic form
4. Pay the application fee
5. Then the application will be presented to the relevant authority for verification and final decision

For the application, you will need a copy of the Emirates ID and your passport copy.