Who has the authority to order deportation in the UAE?

In the UAE, deportation of a foreign national can be ordered through two main channels. A court can impose deportation as part of a criminal judgment, this is judicial deportation, decided by the judge in connection with the offence. Separately, the competent administrative authority, principally the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, together with the Public Prosecution, can order administrative deportation on grounds such as public interest, security, or residency violations, without necessarily a criminal conviction. So the power to deport rests with the courts (in the criminal context) and with these designated administrative and prosecution authorities. An employer, sponsor, or private party cannot deport someone on their own, they can only report or file a case that the relevant authority then assesses. Knowing which body issued a deportation order matters, because it determines how the order can be reviewed or challenged. If you face such an order, identify its source first. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to understand who issued a deportation order and your options.