A travel ban is the prohibition of an individual from entering, re-entering or leaving the country until the grounds for issuing the travel ban have been dismissed. The travel ban policy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is dynamic and adaptable, with restrictions and guidelines subject to change based on the prevailing circumstances.
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The UAE does not have a legislative framework governing the travel ban system, Article 94 of Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 Concerning Immigration and Residence and its Executive Regulations (as amended by the Ministerial Decree No. 83 of 2002) aims to provide some clarity on the grounds for the imposition and enforcement of travel bans. When necessary, the government may impose temporary travel bans on specific countries or regions that are experiencing significant outbreaks of infectious diseases.
During the pandemic, the UAE introduced a tiered system for travel restrictions, categorizing countries into green, amber, and red lists based on their COVID-19 situation. Travelers from green-list countries faced minimal restrictions, while those from red-list countries faced stringent measures, including mandatory quarantine and testing requirements. These measures were continuously revised based on the evolving situation and international guidelines.
The freedom of movement and residence will be granted within limits of laws quotes from Article 29 of the UAE constitution offers freedom and simultaneously curtail it on the basis of law. It implies that everyone enjoys the freedom to travel inside and outside the country unless specifically objected by law through a travel ban.
The notion of travel bans or deportation is used in common parlance in UAE and can be imposed on various grounds such as a consequence of a criminal act, violating immigration laws, unpaid debts, and under a civil claim. In legal terms, a travel ban is a restriction on ongoing freedom of movement or prohibiting a particular individual from entering, re-entering, or exiting the country.
The travel bans so issued by the government of UAE restrict the individual to cross the border through any means of transport. As mentioned above, travel ban can be caused through a variety of claims and complaints and some of these claims arose due to legal implications or due to immigration.
If there is uncertainty on whether the grounds for the enforcement of the travel ban are limited to bounced cheque cases, the status of the travel ban will have to be checked personally at the Dubai Police Department. Alternatively, the status of the travel ban may be checked by an attorney of the individual provided that the attorney has the individual’s passport copy and an effective power of attorney.
Overall, the UAE government aims to strike a balance between safeguarding public health and minimizing disruptions to economic activities. As the situation evolves, it is essential to continually reassess and adapt travel restrictions to ensure the well-being of the population and the smooth functioning of the country.
