New UAE law ends mandatory deportation for expats in drug cases

  DUBAI – Starting on January 2, the UAE will impose a new law that will end the mandatory deportation of expats in drug cases. This came after UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a wide-ranging reform of the country’s legal system on November 27. Under the revamped law, judges will be able to decide if convicted expatriate drug users will be allowed to stay in the UAE after serving their jail term. The new law will focus on the rehabilitation of people convicted of drug use and possession, giving them treatment and education programmes during their detention. First-time offenders can get minimum sentences of three months, but serial offenders will get tougher punishments. Under the new law, first-time offenders will be sentenced to at least three months in jail, and fined between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000. Repeat offenders will be sentenced to a minimum of six months in jail and fined between Dh30,000 and Dh100,000. Serial offenders will be sentenced to a minimum of two years in jail and fined at least Dh100,000. Also, possession of food, drinks or products that contain marijuana, hashish or THC found in cannabis will no longer be a criminal offence. Violators will not face jail time, but the items will be confiscated and destroyed. ICA/Expat Media
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