Traveling to the UAE with fake, false, or forged documents is a very serious criminal offense. UAE federal law strictly deals with the matter and is aligned with the UAE immigration department. Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners contains specific offences relating to forged visas and residence documents. Article 24 provides imprisonment of up to ten years for forging a visa, residence permit, or an official document used as the basis for issuing them. The same penalty applies to a person who knowingly uses such a forged document.” Book a consultation with Emirati law firms for understanding the legal implications, as per the situation.
How does UAE law cover forged Travel documents?
Forged travel documents are termed as fraud that is not specifically dealt with under one specific law or statute. There is a wide range of UAE laws that cover this serious matter. Nevertheless, forged travel documents are covered by a variety of UAE federal decree laws and local regulations. Professional lawyers from Emirati Law Firms, provide result-driven legal services all over the United Arab Emirates. For example Dubai-Based Attorneys, having good reputation in dealing with forgery cases, fraud cases, police cases, and criminal court cases.
Therefore, anyone who deliberately uses fake or false documents will be penalized. Article 32 of the law explains that this act could lead to jail sentencing, substantial fines, and more. In such cases, judicial pardon, suspension of sentencing, or execution is not possible. Furthermore, deportation is inevitable in such scenarios.
Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 is the Law Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners, not the Penal Code. The Crimes and Penalties Law is Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021.
In addition, Articles 251–259 of the UAE Penal Code mainly deal with a range of matters surrounding forgery. Electronic forgery under cybercrime is handled under Article 14. There is a growth in cybercrime, and thus, e-document forgery has increased. Further information about Federal Decree Laws on criminal subjects, can be learnt with Dubai-Based Attorneys, and legal consultants. It is found that lawyers coming from Emirate of Dubai are considered the experienced for criminal law and civil law.
What If the Travel Broker Offers Fake Visas in the UAE?
If a travel agent cheats a traveller with fake visas, this matter involves serious handling. The relevant UAE authorities will investigate into the matter and analyze the outcome. The use of forged documents is a possibility. A traveller will get relief if he is scammed by the travel agency. However, they need to support in investigations to get exemptions from punishment.
They need to provide evidence of communication and submit supporting paperwork like messages, emails, invoices, paid receipts, wire transfer proofs, and other communication records to the prosecutor. It is essential to prove innocence and get a clear chit. Get your hands on a well-versed lawyer in the UAE who can assess and review the scenario in detail. They can suggest the correct legal recourse according to UAE law.
Punitive Measures related to Forged Travel Documents in the UAE:
Any individuals who travelled to the UAE using forged, false, or fake legal papers might face a range of punishments and penalties. UAE law is strict, and those who ignore the law will also face difficulties. Article 24 of the law states that travelers might get jail sentencing for ten years or more. Moreover, it is applicable to forgery of visas, work permits, residency, or forged documents. However, this law does not cover all types of forged documents.
Additionally, Article 24 states that all expats who are involved in forged documents travelling will be deported. Foreign nations will be deported after the final and formal judgment is out. Besides, an individual may face cancellation of visa, immediate change of immigration status, refusal of entry to the UAE, and barriers in obtaining future visas.
Detection of Forged Documents in the UAE:
Usually, forged or fake documents can easily be detected at various places such as immigration points, online applications, airline check-ins, departure screening, arrival inspection, and more.
However, to establish the final charges, a technical examination is needed. This may involve security checks, which are possible with the help of various security features, machine-readable data, biometric information, and issuing authority records.
At the crime scene, security or immigration officers will actively record the entire scenario and also confiscate the forged documents. The investigations will be carried out, and questions will be asked to establish the facts.
Moreover, Immigration officers will be involved in recording the statements and transactions along with ensuring communication and updating the official records. Following this, the prosecutor will actively become part of reviewing the whole circumstances surrounding it. They will analyze the shreds of evidence and decide on the charges. UAE courts will review the evidence and investigations and accordingly deliver the final judgment on applicable charges.
What is you find out your forged document just before traveling to the UAE?
In this scenario, it is advised not to use false or fake documents for traveling. This could lead to serious legal implications. Before traveling, you can verify the documents with the approved authorities in the UAE. Moreover, immigration authorities can also assist if you are at the airport and about to book a flight. It is highly recommended to keep the original file with a record of agent messages, payments, invoices, receipts, and the application reference number.
What to do if you are stopped at UAE airport?
No need to create panic at the airport; instead, act wisely and intelligently. You should cooperate with the airport authorities and behave properly. Provide them with all real-time information they require from you. In addition, it is advised to request for the official interpreter if you can’t speak or understand Arabic. Moreover, if you are overwhelmed, please connect with a skilled and specialized criminal lawyer in the UAE. Early legal support will be favorable, and it can bring quick resolution.
Any person who knowingly and intentionally uses forged documents will be prosecuted strictly. Deportation is inevitable, but along with that, there are other penalties attached. Under Article 24 of the Entry and Residence Law, the deportation of a foreign national is compulsory. Article 24 provides imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, not 10 years or more. Besides, under the law, the person may face imprisonment for up to ten years.
Contrarily, if there is a genuine lack of awareness, UAE courts will analyze and carefully examine the evidence and situation. The defense must be strong enough to avoid the legal consequences. It is suggested to involve a well-experienced criminal lawyer in the UAE who can guide you in the right manner. Legal counsel from an expert legal advisor will make a difference and prove innocence
