# Can a foreigner be deported for a money laundering conviction in the UAE? **URL:** \ **Category:** UAE\ **Tags:** money-laundering, aml\ **Created:** [July 20, 2026, 9:20am UTC](https://www.amlfaqs.com/t/can-a-foreigner-be-deported-for-a-money-laundering-conviction-in-the-uae/1077 "2026-07-20T09:20:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Monika](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex010/user_avatar/www.amlfaqs.com/monika/32/200_2.png) [@Monika](https://www.amlfaqs.com/u/Monika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2026, 9:20am UTC](https://www.amlfaqs.com/t/can-a-foreigner-be-deported-for-a-money-laundering-conviction-in-the-uae/1077/1 "2026-07-20T09:20:07Z")
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):** - [Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025](https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-10-2025-regarding-anti-money-laundering-and-combating-financing), Article 36(1) — mandatory deportation where a foreigner receives a custodial sentence for money laundering or a felony under the law. - [Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025](https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-10-2025-regarding-anti-money-laundering-and-combating-financing), Article 36(2) — discretionary deportation for other misdemeanours under the law. _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](https://amluae.com/money-laundering-fines-and-penalties-in-uae/) ---
**Author:** ![pathik](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex010/user_avatar/www.amlfaqs.com/pathik/32/5_2.png) [@pathik](https://www.amlfaqs.com/u/pathik)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2026, 9:21am UTC](https://www.amlfaqs.com/t/can-a-foreigner-be-deported-for-a-money-laundering-conviction-in-the-uae/1077/2 "2026-07-20T09:21:18Z")
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**Author:** ![Monika](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex010/user_avatar/www.amlfaqs.com/monika/32/200_2.png) [@Monika](https://www.amlfaqs.com/u/Monika)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:00am UTC](https://www.amlfaqs.com/t/can-a-foreigner-be-deported-for-a-money-laundering-conviction-in-the-uae/1077/3 "2026-09-10T00:00:16Z")
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](https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-10-2025-regarding-anti-money-laundering-and-combating-financing), 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](https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-10-2025-regarding-anti-money-laundering-and-combating-financing), 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](https://amluae.com/aml-terms/) ---
**Author:** ![Monika](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex010/user_avatar/www.amlfaqs.com/monika/32/200_2.png) [@Monika](https://www.amlfaqs.com/u/Monika)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://www.amlfaqs.com/t/can-a-foreigner-be-deported-for-a-money-laundering-conviction-in-the-uae/1077/4 "2026-09-27T14:39:19Z")