I was banned for life from entering the UAE a few years ago and want to know if this can be changed. In 2006, I was arrested for selling 0.5 grams of a drug and received a life sentence. Then in 2009 I was released by a royal pardon. I have stayed away from the UAE since then, but now I want to know if there is any legal way to lift my ban so that I can enter Dubai and be with my family, who have been residing there for over 35 years. I was born in Dubai. Do I have any options? HF, India
The UAE operates a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs and anyone found to be in possession will have to deal with serious consequences. This is usually by way of imprisonment and then deportation. In this scenario, it would be a criminal deportation, which is treated more seriously than a labour deportation. Even if a person was born in the UAE, they do not have the right to remain and will usually be deported to the country where their passport was issued.
Both the police and the Department of Immigration keep records of those who have been banned to prevent them from re-entering the country. In theory, a person who has been deported for an offence that is not considered a threat to the safety and stability to the UAE can submit an appeal, but they would need to appoint a lawyer to act on their behalf and this would be costly.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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