Minors travelling to UAE need approval

GDRFA Dubai issues notification requiring authorisation letter from parents if they are not travelling along

Effective June 1, minors aged 18 years and below are not allowed to travel to the UAE without an authorisation letter from their parents in case they are not accompanying them, according to an advisory issued by Air India yesterday.

This advisory by the Indian airline follows a notification by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) following a warning from Dubai Police and other authorities to prevent child trafficking.

The authorisation form must be filled by parents with relevant details of the child’s address abroad and in the UAE and information about who will receive the child in the UAE.

Also, in case the minor is travelling with another family member, an authorisation letter from the parents, or guardians is still required, Air India said.

“Airline staff can escort the minors through immigration, provided that the form is filled and the process to hand them over to the receiving person is duly followed,” the advisory added.

It warned that the minor could be deported as a last resort if immigration authorities in the UAE suspect illegal activity and the information provided is not sufficient to address such concerns. “In such cases, the normal process and subsequent fines will apply,” the advisory said.