Discover When does a deportation order expire in the UAE: The Full Answer

When does a deportation order expire in the UAE? This pivotal question often weighs on expatriates who receive either administrative or judicial deportation notices. Understanding the legal framework, timelines, and cancellation mechanisms is crucial not only for compliance but also for effectively taking control of one’s legal status.

In this article, we will explore exactly when does a deportation order expire in UAE?, elaborating on every relevant legal aspect to ensure a clear, well-informed outcome.

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When Does a Deportation Order Expire in the UAE?

A deportation order in the UAE does not expire by itself. Whether it’s a court-issued (judicial) or government-issued (administrative) deportation, the order remains valid indefinitely—blocking residency, entry, or visa renewal—until it is officially lifted or revoked by the relevant UAE authority.

In short, if you’re asking, “when does a deportation order expire in Dubai?”, the answer is: it doesn’t expire over time; it must be removed through a legal application.

Types of Deportation Orders in the UAE

To understand how to deal with a deportation order, you first need to identify its legal origin:

1. Judicial Deportation

Judicial deportation is a court-mandated removal following conviction for serious offences, established under Article 121 of Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (amended by Federal Law No. 34 of 2005 and Decree-Law No. 7 of 2016).

It applies to felonies and certain misdemeanours such as drug offences or sexual assault.
Upon sentencing, the court may order deportation after serving the sentence or as an alternative penalty.

2. Administrative Deportation

Executed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) under Law No. 6 of 1973 (via Ministerial Decision No. 360/1997 and Decree Law No. 3/2017), this type addresses violations related to public interest, morals, security, health, or financial self-sufficiency.
The order may extend to dependents included under sponsorship.

Grace Period: Does It Affect Expiry?

The UAE law grants up to 90 days (3 months) for individuals to settle personal affairs before deportation is enforced. However:

• This grace period does not invalidate or expire the deportation order.
• It simply defers execution for humanitarian or logistical reasons.
• After it ends, enforcement or detention may follow if no legal action is taken.

Legal Steps to Cancel a Deportation Order

Here’s how individuals can initiate revocation:

• For Judicial Deportation
  1. File a cancellation petition with Public Prosecution.
  2. Include evidence of changed behavior, acquittals, or rehabilitation.
  3. A legal representative is strongly advised.
• For Administrative Deportation
• 1. Submit a cancellation request to ICA or GDRFA with documents proving your eligibility for reconsideration (e.g., new sponsor, medical clearance, job offer).
  2. In case of previous deportation, a special entry permit under Article 28 of the UAE Immigration Law is required to re-enter.

Blacklist & Re-entry: Still in Effect?

Deportation orders are often paired with automatic blacklisting, which prohibits:

• Issuance of new visas.
• Entry at UAE ports.
• Airport clearance, even in transit cases.

Only by cancelling the deportation can the blacklist entry be removed, allowing legal return or visa issuance.

The Crucial Role of Lawyers in Deportation Cases

After we explained When Does a Deportation Order Expire in the UAE, here’s how a licensed UAE lawyer can assist with deportation orders:

1. Legal Assessment: Analyze the type of deportation order (judicial or administrative) and determine the most viable legal remedy.
2. Document Preparation: Draft formal petitions for cancellation or suspension, tailored to the legal basis and individual circumstances.
3. Court Representation: For judicial deportation, represent the client before the Public Prosecution and criminal courts to argue for lifting the order.
4. Administrative Liaison: For administrative deportation, coordinate with ICA or GDRFA to submit the request, ensuring compliance with immigration protocols.
5. Evidence Compilation: Gather and present supporting documents such as proof of rehabilitation, employment offers, or humanitarian considerations.
6. Blacklist Removal: Pursue removal from immigration blacklists to enable legal re-entry and visa processing.
7. Follow-up and Appeals: Monitor the case status, respond to additional requests from authorities, and handle appeals if needed.

Engaging a qualified lawyer significantly increases the chances of success and ensures all procedures align with UAE law.

FAQs

So to restate: when does a deportation order expire in the UAE? — it does not expire automatically, no matter how much time has passed. If you or someone you know is facing deportation or trying to return after removal, the only legal path is to apply for cancellation through the proper legal channels with expert guidance.

Our licensed lawyers in Dubai are ready to help you prepare and file a cancellation request, defend your case, and guide you through ICA or court procedures, so contact us now.

Read more about Request for Clemency from Deportation in UAE.