Can a foreigner be deported for a money laundering conviction in the UAE?

UAE
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1

Yes. Deportation is a defined consequence for foreign nationals convicted under the UAE anti-money laundering law. Where a foreigner receives a custodial sentence for the crime of money laundering, or for any of the felonies set out in the decree-law, the judgment must include an order for their deportation from the State.

For other misdemeanours under the law that carry a custodial penalty, the court has discretion: it may order deportation in addition to the sentence, or impose deportation in place of the custodial penalty. This makes deportation a near-automatic outcome for serious financial crime convictions and a discretionary one for lesser breaches. Employers and compliance functions should be aware that AML offences carry immigration as well as criminal and financial consequences for non-citizens.

Legal Reference (UAE):

For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.

Money laundering fines and penalties in the UAE

3

Yes, and for felonies it is mandatory. Where a foreigner receives a custodial sentence for money laundering or any felony under the AML law, the judgment must include an order for deportation from the State.

For other misdemeanours under the law where a custodial penalty is imposed, deportation is discretionary: the court may order it in addition to the custodial penalty, or impose deportation in place of it. The distinction turns on whether the offence is a felony or a misdemeanour, so the classification of the particular offence determines whether the court has a choice.

Legal Reference (UAE):

· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 36(1): mandatory deportation on a custodial sentence for money laundering or a felony under the law.

· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 36(2): discretionary deportation, or deportation in lieu of the custodial penalty, for other misdemeanours.

Where the position is finely balanced, document your reasoning and raise it with your compliance officer.

AML terms and definitions