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Residents should ensure they have no travel ban against them before going to the airport. Image Credit: Photo for illustrative purpose only/Supplied

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has called on residents to benefit from its bouquet of services before they travel by paying their financial dues and ensuring there is no travel ban related to any cases that may be registered against them in the courts.

Taking the initiative to educate the public in the summer holiday season, ADJD has launched a campaign called “Enquire...and be reassured” to introduce its services related to travel, and encourage people to verify their legal status before leaving the country.

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The department said that if there are restrictions related to paying dues, the person must check out the “automatic cancellation of executive decisions system” which is available on ADJD’s smart application or official website to complete the necessary procedures for an all-clear to travel.

Checking one’s legal status before travel is a must, the department said, adding that it contributes to a hassle-free passage and helps avoid any financial loss that may result if the traveller is prevented from boarding the plane.

ADJD said it facilitates and speeds up the completion of all transactions, thereby achieving its strategic vision in facilitating prompt access to judicial services. The aim is to ensure the well-being of citizens and residents and help save time, effort and expenses, it added.

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 reading the instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website. It is also good practice to review the local laws of the destination country before undertaking any travel.

How to check dues, travel ban

The Dubai Police website provides a free service that allows individuals to check the criminal status of financial cases and possible travel ban electronically and round the clock. This service is available to all members of society, and requires the person to enter his or her ID card number issued by the UAE.

The travel ban inquiry service is also available on the Dubai Police application.

In Abu Dhabi, ADJD provides the “Inquire” electronic service, which enables individuals to check the existence of any cases against them with Public Prosecution. To use this service, the individual must enter his unified number.

He or she can also inquire about cases through the Federal Public Prosecution.

Before planning any travel, it is advisable to check and/or resolve any issues that may stop the person at passport control. If necessary, help from a lawyer must be enlisted. The nearest office of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or police station in one’s area can also be contacted to get advice.

Passport validity

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

Citizens of the UAE can verify the validity of their passports through the GDRFA- Nationality Section, and expatriates can do so by contacting the embassy or consulate representing their home country in the UAE.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE can also be contacted on 80044444 for any inquiries regarding travel.