In a significant step toward family welfare, Dubai Courts have introduced new procedures to make it easier for divorced parents to travel with their children. With this new reform, announced by Dubai Courts on June 13, 2024, such travel bans will be removed permanently upon the approval of the sponsor. Parents and, in turn, children will find it much easier to enter and exit the UAE without the incorporation of some of the tedious steps involved, hence highly supportive to families going through these problems.
Simplified Travel Ban Procedures
Old vs. New Mechanism
Before the new system, divorced parents had to go through many obstacles before they could travel. The past procedure involved a judgment by a judge upon the agreement of the sponsor. Then a letter had to be sent to the Criminal Investigation Department to remove the travel ban temporarily. This mostly led to delays that made it difficult for family travel to take place, increasing the psychological burden on both guardians and their children.
The new mechanism makes everything much easier:
- Online Applications: Guardians can apply online for a travel permit through the Dubai Courts online portal.
- Speedy Review: Applications will be scrutinized by concerned authorities effectively within a short duration with the necessary approvals obtained.
- Security Measures: More safety measures are incorporated into the new system to ensure the interest of the child and ensure he/she is not exposed to any kind of risks during travel.
Benefits of the New Process
- Speed and Efficiency: This will reduce bureaucratic red tape through an easily accessible electronic application and will ensure timely approvals.
- Reduced Stress: Guardians face less psychological stress due to the assurance of getting timely approvals.
- Access to Opportunities: By the new process, children will not miss educational, medical, or leisure opportunities due to procedural delays.
Read more about- UAE Laws on Parental Consent for Adult Daughter’s Marriage
Enhancing Family Welfare in Dubai
The reform forms part of the broader agenda of Dubai Social Agenda 33, which is aimed at improving social conditions and enhancing family welfare. By relaxing travel ban restrictions, the new procedures will:
- Safeguard the Interest of Children: Ensure access to leisure, education, and timely medical treatment.
- Stability and Welfare: Contribute to the stability and welfare of families in Dubai.
- Assist in Travel: Help parents and children visit home or other destinations during holidays and vacation times, such as Eid Al Adha and the summer vacation period.
Impact of New Changes in the Process
The changes will have a positive effect. With the old mechanism requiring approval from the child’s guardian or legal custodian prior to travel, there were cases wherein opportunities were lost or, at worst, additional stress was involved. The new procedure will be more streamlined with less bureaucracy.
Legal Framework
The UAE Official Government Portal clarifies that in the event of divorce, custody is usually granted to the mother, while fathers are awarded the status of ‘guardian’ tasked with the responsibility of maintaining the child. Therefore, when one parent leaves the country with the child without obtaining the other parent’s consent, it previously could have amounted to ‘child abduction,’ which is criminal in nature and thus attracts serious legal penalties. These risks are significantly mitigated by the new regulations that establish a clear and efficient process for acquiring travel permits.
A Supportive Environment for Children
- Promoting Smart Policies: The new reform provides for wise and flexible policies that ensure the interests of the community are taken into consideration, with special attention to those of the child. The simplification of procedures for travel will foster a friendlier atmosphere to the advantage of the general quality of life in Dubai Courts.
- Family Cohesion: The new mechanism will project the family with more stability and happiness. This will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the social framework of Dubai by ensuring that children get their rights and opportunities in the right manner at the right time.
- Importance for Guardians: The new procedures give peace of mind to guardians, knowing that they will now be able to obtain all necessary travel permissions quickly and with ease. This change underscores Dubai’s devotion to establishing a family-friendly environment where the concerns and well-being of children are at the top of the list.
Conclusion
The New Travel Rules for Divorced Parents in Dubai are truly a landmark decision toward ground-level family welfare and stability. By simplifying the process of obtaining travel permits, the Dubai Courts will ensure that children get all the necessary opportunities without undue delay. This reform is therefore in consonance with the broader social goals of Dubai and evidences a commitment on the part of the emirate to create a supportive environment for families.
In case of assistance with the new travel procedure and other family-related legal matters, seek help from the experienced marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage. Call us now to ensure that family rights and welfare are well protected.
