Dubai’s new rules on deportations and travel bans carry extra clout – here’s why

Dubai took a decisive step to streamline the enforcement of deportation rulings and travel ban orders with the introduction of Resolution No. 1 of 2025.

This resolution replaces the outdated Resolution No. 7 of 2007 and aims to close legal loopholes that had been exploited by individuals attempting to evade deportation.

In recent years, some individuals facing deportation have resorted to fabricating financial obligations—often with the help of others—to create fictitious debts. By doing so, they attempt to manipulate the legal system to impose a travel ban, effectively stalling their deportation. Recognizing these challenges, Dubai established a dedicated Judicial Committee to oversee such cases and ensure that the legal framework remains robust and effective.

One of the most critical provisions in the new resolution is Article 12, known as the ‘solution and cancellation clause’. This clause ensures that any conflicting regulations from previous laws are overridden, creating a unified and transparent approach to handling deportation and travel ban orders.

The resolution outlines the structure and authority of the newly formed Judicial Committee. Article 3 clearly defines its role: the committee is responsible for reviewing and making decisions on the enforcement of deportation rulings, particularly in cases where a travel ban has been issued.

To carry out its mandate effectively, the committee will collaborate with relevant government authorities within Dubai.

Under Article 4, the Committee has been granted a set of specific powers, including:

When making decisions, the committee is required to consider multiple factors, such as:

A significant feature of the resolution is Article 6, which states that the committee’s rulings are final and cannot be appealed. This ensures swift and decisive action while maintaining a fair balance between legal enforcement and individual rights.

Additionally, the resolution affirms that a convicted individual may be subjected to a travel ban as part of the deportation process. This measure is intended to prevent individuals from using deportation as a way to escape financial or legal responsibilities, thus protecting creditors and ensuring the integrity of the legal system.

With Resolution No. 1 of 2025, Dubai is reinforcing its commitment to legal clarity and efficient governance. By closing loopholes and enhancing enforcement mechanisms, the emirate continues to position itself as a leader in legal and regulatory best practices, ensuring fairness for all stakeholders involved in deportation and travel ban cases.