The Federal Supreme Court has overturned a deportation order against a foreign woman convicted of drug-related offenses, ruling that her case must be reviewed under a more lenient law.
The woman had been found guilty of consuming and possessing psychotropic substances for personal use, as well as transferring money to support drug-related activity. A lower court imposed a fine of Dh20,000 and ordered the confiscation of seized items.
While the Court of Appeal upheld the fine, it added a deportation order after the completion of her sentence. The defendant challenged the ruling, arguing that deportation would severely affect her family, as she is married and resides in the United Arab Emirates.
In its decision, the Federal Supreme Court said a 2025 law, considered more favorable to the accused, should apply. The amended law allows exemptions from deportation in cases where it could disrupt family stability or deprive dependents of care.
The court nullified the deportation order and remanded the case for reconsideration to determine whether such exceptions apply.
