When is deportation ordered?
Under Article 126 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), a foreigner sentenced to a freedom-restricting penalty in a felony shall be deported. For a misdemeanour, the court may order deportation, or order deportation instead of the freedom-restricting penalty, unless the law says otherwise.
A court cannot sentence a foreigner to deportation if, at the time of the crime, they were the spouse or a first-degree relative of a citizen, unless the sentence is for a crime against the State's security.
Is deportation different for drug offences?
Yes. Article 75 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances) says the court shall order the deportation of a foreigner convicted of any crime stipulated in that law, with two exceptions: spouse or first-degree relative of a UAE national, and certain family situations the court finds would be seriously harmed.
That is stricter than the general rule for misdemeanours. See our drug offences deportation guide.
Can authorities deport without a conviction?
The Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 (Entry and Residence of Foreigners) allows the Federal Public Prosecutor or the Chairman of the Federal Authority, or their representatives, to order deportation of a foreigner even with a visa or residence permit, if required by public interest, public security, public morals or public health, or if the person has no apparent means of subsistence (Article 15).
The order may include family members supported by the foreigner, and the person can be detained for up to 30 days, extendable for a similar period, with the Federal Public Prosecutor's approval, if needed to implement the order.
Can I return after deportation?
A foreigner who has been deported may not return without permission from the Chairman (Article 18 of the Entry and Residence of Foreigners Law).
If you have interests in the UAE that need settling, the law lets you be given a period to liquidate them after submitting a guarantee (Article 17).
What should I do first?
Tell your lawyer your family ties to a UAE citizen
It is the key exception.
Collect civil documents
Marriage and birth certificates.
Ask about settling affairs
Article 17 allows time against a guarantee.
Do not leave without advice
A ban or warrant may exist.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is deportation automatic for a felony?
A foreigner sentenced to a freedom-restricting penalty in a felony shall be deported (Article 126), subject to the family exception.
Can a misdemeanour lead to deportation?
Yes, at the court's discretion (Article 126), unless the specific law says otherwise.
Does being married to a UAE national help?
Yes. A foreigner who was the spouse or first-degree relative of a citizen at the time of the crime cannot be sentenced to deportation under Article 126, except for crimes against State security.
Can a deportation measure be cancelled later?
Article 137 says the court may end other measures but not the measure of deportation.
Related guides
Dubai Criminal Law overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewExpats and Tourists
Which UAE law applies to residents and visitors, what happens if the act was partly abroad, and the practical points that differ for foreigners.
Read the guideCases and Residence Visas
How a criminal case can affect your visa or residence permit, and when authorities can cancel it or order deportation without a conviction.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 (Entry and Residence of Foreigners), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 16 September 2021. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 1 October 2025. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.