أسئلة وأجوبة
Will I be arrested or face a travel ban for an unpaid debt when returning to the UAE?
Hi,
I left the UAE during COVID due to redundancy. I had an apartment in Sharjah, where they were unwilling to cancel my tenancy without penalties. Despite many requests, they refused, and I had no option but to leave the country due to very limited flights.
Recently, when I checked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs app, I saw a financial criminal case pending against me, stating I am a most-wanted individual due to failure to pay financial sums.
I sent a friend to check on the apartment, and they found that a case had been filed with around 29,000 AED due. I am now planning to visit the UAE for a job hunt.
Will I be arrested upon arrival and sent to jail, or will they allow me to enter and impose a travel ban until I pay off the amount?
Please advise!
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation. I understand the stress this matter must be causing you, especially as you plan to return to the UAE.
Given the circumstances you’ve described, it’s important to approach this matter carefully. The financial criminal case registered against you could potentially result in an arrest upon your arrival in the UAE.
Typically, such cases are treated seriously, and there could be a risk of arrest at the airport, particularly if the case is linked to unpaid debts or financial obligations.
However, each situation is unique, and it’s possible that the authorities may impose a travel ban and require you to settle the outstanding amount before allowing you to leave the country again.
To avoid any surprises, I strongly recommend addressing this issue before you arrive in the UAE.
I can assist you in assessing your legal options and potentially negotiating with the landlord or authorities to resolve the matter without compromising your freedom of movement.
It’s crucial to act before you travel to ensure that your job hunt and stay in the UAE are not disrupted by this issue.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp at [-------] or give me a call so we can discuss your case in detail and explore the best course of action.
Dear Questioner,
In the event that a criminal judgment has been issued against you in absentia, meaning you did not attend the session, you will be arrested upon your arrival at the airport and presented to the Public Prosecution.
In this case, you can file an objection to the in absentia judgment and request your release with a travel ban imposed until the required amount is paid.

Dear Questioner,
If you are facing a financial case in the UAE, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. Verify Your Legal Status:
Inquire about the details of the pending case and its reasons. Consult a local attorney to understand your situation.
2. Contact Relevant Authorities:
Reach out to the court or the concerned authority to clarify your status and attempt to settle the outstanding amounts.
3. Consult a Specialized Lawyer:
Before returning to the UAE, consult a specialized attorney in the UAE to assist you in handling the case and protecting your legal rights.
Our services as a lawyer in the UAE include:
- Providing comprehensive legal advice on financial and legal issues.
- Communicating with legal authorities and assisting in case resolution.
- Offering legal support during court proceedings and addressing legal challenges.
We are here to assist you every step of the way to ensure your legal matters are handled efficiently and professionally.
Dear Questioner,
Based on your situation involving unpaid dues leading to a criminal case in Sharjah, there is a significant risk of arrest upon arrival in the UAE due to outstanding debts related to your tenancy agreement.
It is crucial that you take proactive steps by consulting with legal professionals and possibly negotiating with your landlord before traveling back.