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Brits face UAE deportation over use of bad language on WhatsApp
| Published: | 22 Jun at 4 PM |
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UK nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates face being deported if they are caught using inappropriate language online.
Strict new legislation in the Gulf state means that anyone swearing in internet sites or applications such as WhatsApp and Kiks face a hefty fine of up to 250,000 dirham (£44,000).
However, the situation is more serious for the many expats living in the oil-rich country as the federal law states that they can be deported if found guilty of the crime.
The news comes after an Emirati man was handed a 3,000 dirham (£523) fine for swearing in a WhatsApp message after the Federal Supreme Court (FSC) ruled that his initial fine was too low following the prosecutor’s appeal. The court stated that the new law meant the man should have received a larger fine, or even jail time.
Reports in the UAE said that the FSC backed the prosecutor’s appeal and highlighted the need for law enforcement when it came to technology-based crimes.
The UAE has some of the harshest laws for expats to contend with. Despite the perks of large salaries and paid housing that many foreigners in the country receive, alcohol prohibition is strictly enforced in all places bar hotels, while holding hands with your partner can also land you in hot water.
Strict new legislation in the Gulf state means that anyone swearing in internet sites or applications such as WhatsApp and Kiks face a hefty fine of up to 250,000 dirham (£44,000).
However, the situation is more serious for the many expats living in the oil-rich country as the federal law states that they can be deported if found guilty of the crime.
The news comes after an Emirati man was handed a 3,000 dirham (£523) fine for swearing in a WhatsApp message after the Federal Supreme Court (FSC) ruled that his initial fine was too low following the prosecutor’s appeal. The court stated that the new law meant the man should have received a larger fine, or even jail time.
Reports in the UAE said that the FSC backed the prosecutor’s appeal and highlighted the need for law enforcement when it came to technology-based crimes.
The UAE has some of the harshest laws for expats to contend with. Despite the perks of large salaries and paid housing that many foreigners in the country receive, alcohol prohibition is strictly enforced in all places bar hotels, while holding hands with your partner can also land you in hot water.
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