Author: Ahmed Ashour

Dubai’s enforcement framework took a decisive step forward in January 2025 with the enactment of Resolution No. (1) of 2025 (“Resolution”), issued by the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Several months into its implementation, the Resolution has established a dedicated Judicial Committee to address conflicts between deportation and travel bans - a reform that delivers clarity, consistency, and efficiency in an area of law that directly affects judicial integrity and national security.

The Judicial Committee

At the Centre of the Resolution lies the Judicial Committee (“Committee”), a body entrusted with overseeing the execution of deportation and travel ban orders. Its role is to ensure that enforcement remains coherent, that conflicts between competing orders are resolved, and that national security considerations are properly safeguarded.

Deportation Orders and Travel Bans in the UAE

UAE law recognises two distinct forms of Deportation:

• Judicial Deportation – Ordered by the Courts under laws such as the UAE Penal Code (Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021) and the UAE Drug Law (Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021). These orders are typically enforced once sentences of imprisonment or fines are completed, unless deportation is imposed as an alternative to imprisonment.
• Administrative Deportation – Ordered by administrative authorities, including the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (“ICP”), often in cases of immigration breaches or where individuals are considered a threat to public order or security.

Travel bans, meanwhile, are generally issued by Courts at the request of creditors until debts are discharged, or by the Public Prosecution during ongoing investigations.

Powers of the Committee

The Resolution grants the Committee wide powers to ensure that deportation and travel ban orders are enforced effectively and without conflict. Its authority includes:

• Deferring deportation orders where justified;
• Annulling travel bans that obstruct deportation, ensuring consistency in judicial outcomes;
• Granting temporary release under specified conditions and guarantees; and
• Balancing competing interests by assessing risks to public safety, creditor rights, and the existence of enforceable assets before issuing decisions.

Through these powers, the Committee preserves the integrity of judicial rulings while ensuring that enforcement remains practical and fair.

Composition of the committee

The Committee is chaired by a judge of the Court of Appeal (not below the rank of First Appeal Judge). Its members include:

• Two Appeal Judges;
• One Chief Prosecutor from the Public Prosecution Office, and
• Two representatives appointed by the Head of the Judicial Council.

This structure ensures that decisions benefit from judicial expertise, prosecutorial oversight, and institutional representation.

Accountability and transparency

Decisions of the Committee are issued in the name of the Ruler, are final and binding, and cannot be appealed. To reinforce accountability, the Committee must submit annual reports to the Judicial Council. Dubai’s Courts also provide administrative and technical support to the Committee, ensuring that its work is executed efficiently and in compliance with legal mandates.

Conclusion

Since coming into force on 30 January 2025, Resolution No. (1) of 2025 has introduced a clear and unified framework for the enforcement of deportation and travel ban orders. By establishing the Judicial Committee, the Resolution resolves conflicts that previously risked delaying or undermining enforcement, while upholding both due process and national security.