Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy | View firm profile
Introduction:
The UAE recently introduced a significant reform in its judicial system, with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announcing that travel bans are automatically lifted once legal cases are resolved.This development represents a substantial improvement aimed at enhancing governmental efficiency, reducing administrative delays, and simplifying the travel ban removal process, which is part of the broader Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative.
Process for Travel Ban Removal
Previously, individuals subject to travel bans in the UAE faced a lengthy process to lift the ban, which required submitting clearance documents and other supporting materials. However, the Ministry of Justice has dramatically simplified this process, reducing the number of steps needed for travel ban removal from nine to none. Once a legal case is resolved, the travel ban may automatically lift, allowing affected individuals to travel almost instantly without any additional action. This new system has made the procedure more efficient by automating the travel ban removal process, eliminating the need for individuals to take further action after their case is resolved.
Under this automated system, travel bans may be lifted almost immediately once the legal matter is settled, eliminating the necessity to file additional paperwork. According to the MoJ, the steps required to lift a ban have been reduced from nine to zero, making government services faster, more efficient, and more accessible to the public.
Key Features of the Automation
Once a legal matter is resolved—whether through a court ruling, settlement, or fine payment—the travel ban may automatically be removed without the need for individuals to submit requests or paperwork. Once the necessary fines or legal obligations are cleared, the ban may be lifted without any further action required by the individual. This allows individuals to resume travel promptly, free from bureaucratic delays.
The previous requirement to provide clearance documents and undergo a manual review has been abolished. Individuals no longer need to visit government offices, saving both time and effort. The time taken to lift a travel ban has been drastically reduced from a full working day to mere minutes, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to fast and efficient government services.
Implementation Across the UAE
This new automated system has been implemented across all judicial authorities in the UAE, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Whether it’s a criminal case, financial dispute, or another legal matter, once the case is settled, the travel ban may be removed without any additional steps required from the affected individual.
Benefits for Residents and Visitors
Both residents and visitors stand to benefit significantly from this efficient process. For those previously affected by travel bans, the automatic removal system ensures they may travel freely once their legal matters are resolved. No longer burdened by lengthy administrative procedures, individuals can handle their legal responsibilities with greater ease and regain their freedom to travel without delay.
Conditions for Lifting Travel Bans
Despite the automation, it’s important to note that a travel ban will only be lifted once all legal conditions are met. This includes:
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- Resolution of the legal case: The underlying issue that led to the imposition of the travel ban must be resolved, whether through court rulings or settlement agreements.
- Compliance with court orders: Any specific orders, such as the payment of outstanding amounts, fines, restitution, or other legal obligations, must be fully met before the travel ban is lifted.
- Notification to authorities: Relevant authorities, such as the Public Prosecution or Ministry of Interior, are automatically notified once the case is resolved, and there is no need to apply for the removal of the travel ban; it may be lifted automatically.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Services
For those looking to check if they have a travel ban or to confirm its removal, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department offers an online service called Estafser, which allows residents to verify if they are wanted by the Public Prosecution. In Dubai, residents can use their Emirates ID through the Dubai Police website or app to check the status of any travel bans related to financial cases.
Conclusion:
The automatic lifting of travel bans following legal case resolution marks a significant step forward to improve government services. It reduces administrative delays and improves access to government services, benefiting both residents and visitors. Under this new system, individuals no longer need to navigate lengthy procedures, ensuring they can regain their freedom to travel as soon as their legal matters are resolved.