Residents Advised to Verify Legal Status, Check for Travel Bans Before Going on Holidays

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has urged residents to take advantage of its range of services before travelling. This includes settling any outstanding financial dues and ensuring there are no travel bans related to any court cases.

In an effort to educate the public during the summer holiday season, the ADJD has launched a campaign called “Enquire...and be reassured.” The campaign aims to introduce its travel-related services and encourage people to verify their legal status before leaving the country.

The department highlighted that individuals should use the “automatic cancellation of executive decisions system,” available on ADJD’s smart application or official website, to resolve any restrictions related to unpaid dues and ensure they have clearance to travel.

The department emphasised that checking one’s legal status before travelling is essential, as it contributes to a hassle-free journey and helps avoid any financial losses that may occur if the traveller is prevented from boarding the plane.

The ADJD facilitates and expedites the completion of all transactions, aligning with its strategic vision of providing prompt access to judicial services. This initiative aims to ensure the well-being of citizens and residents and to save time, effort and expenses.

When planning to travel abroad, it is necessary to check the validity of your passport and visa requirements for the intended destination, in addition to reviewing the instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website.
It is also good practice to familiarise yourself with the local laws of the destination country before travelling.

How to Check Travel Bans

The Dubai Police website offers a free service allowing individuals to check the criminal status of financial cases and any possible travel bans electronically, available round the clock.

This service is accessible to all members of society and requires the individual to enter their UAE-issued ID card number. The travel ban inquiry service is also available on the Dubai Police application.

In Abu Dhabi, the ADJD provides the “Inquire” electronic service, enabling individuals to check for any cases against them with Public Prosecution by entering their unified number. Individuals can also inquire about cases through the Federal Public Prosecution.

Before planning any travel, it is advisable to check and resolve any issues that may prevent a person from passing through passport control. If necessary, assistance from a lawyer should be sought. Contacting the nearest office of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a local police station can also provide advice.

It is prudent to check the validity and machine-readability of your passport, as many countries do not accept non-electronic passports.

UAE citizens can verify the validity of their passports through the GDRFA Nationality Section, while expatriates can contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE.