Can Deportees Return to the UAE? What the Law Says and How to Apply for Re-entry

Many former UAE residents who were deported for various reasons -- from immigration violations to financial or criminal disputes -- often wonder if they can ever return to the country. With the UAE continuing to attract global talent and opportunities, the question of whether deportees can legally re-enter arises frequently, especially when individuals receive new job offers or wish to reunite with family members.

 

The short answer: Yes, but only in exceptional cases -- and with prior approval from the President of the UAE. Re-entry after deportation is tightly regulated under federal law, and the process requires formal application through the relevant authorities.

 

The Legal Basis for Deportation and Re-entry

 

The governing law is Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which consolidated and updated previous immigration regulations in the country.

 

Under Article 18(1) of the law: “The alien who has previously been deported may not return to the State without the permission of the President.”

 

This means that a deported individual is automatically barred from re-entering the UAE unless a special authorisation is granted by the Office of the President. This rule applies to all deportations, whether they result from criminal convictions, administrative violations, or immigration breaches.

 

Types of Deportation in the UAE
 

There are generally two categories of deportation under UAE law:

 

1. Judicial deportation, ordered by a court as part of a criminal sentence.
    
2. Administrative deportation, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the Ministry of Interior against individuals deemed to pose a security or public order risk, or who have overstayed or violated residency rules.

In either case, once deported, a person’s immigration file typically carries a permanent entry ban unless successfully appealed through the official channels.

 

Applying for Re-entry: What the Process Involves
 

While there is no guarantee of approval, deported individuals may submit a formal application for permission to return. The process generally involves the following steps:
 

1. Prepare the necessary documents
    

Applicants must compile a full set of documents, which typically includes:

• A valid passport copy.
• Emirates ID number (if previously issued).
• Copy of the deportation or extradition order.
• A written explanation detailing the reason for return (for example, a confirmed employment offer, family reunion, or humanitarian grounds).
• Supporting documents such as a job offer letter from a UAE-based employer.
   

1. Submit the application
    

The request can be filed with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the Ministry of Interior. The application will then be reviewed by competent authorities and, if considered meritorious, elevated for approval by the Office of the President.
 

1. Await a decision
    

Approval or rejection of the re-entry request lies entirely at the discretion of UAE authorities. There is no statutory timeframe for processing, and each case is reviewed based on its individual merits and circumstances.

 

Legal Representation and Advice
 

Given the sensitive nature of deportation cases, applicants are strongly advised to engage a qualified legal consultant or an immigration lawyer in the UAE to prepare and submit the re-entry request. Legal experts can ensure that all procedural requirements are met and that the case is presented clearly, with supporting evidence to justify reconsideration.

 

A lawyer may also verify whether the individual’s deportation was permanent or time-bound, as some administrative bans are issued for specific durations (for example, one or five years), after which re-entry may be possible through standard visa procedures.
 

Understanding the Limits of Re-entry Permission
 

Even if approval is granted, the authorisation applies only to the specific purpose stated in the application -- such as taking up employment or reuniting with family. If the applicant wishes to enter the UAE for another reason later, a new approval process may be required.

 

Authorities may also deny re-entry if the person’s previous conduct involved serious offences such as violent crime, fraud, or offences against public morals or security, in which case the deportation order remains permanent.
 

The Bottom Line
 

Re-entering the UAE after deportation is not automatically possible, but exceptions can be made through presidential approval under Article 18 of the Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021.

 

Former residents who wish to return must apply formally through the ICP or Ministry of Interior, providing complete documentation and a legitimate reason for their request. While approval is rare and not guaranteed, following the legal procedure -- with proper guidance -- offers the only legitimate pathway back to the UAE.

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