A Norwegian woman who reported to police that she had been raped by a colleague and subsequently imprisoned for “having sex before marriage”, has been given her passport back and is allowed to leave the country.

The 16-month sentence caused outrage in the West who have clashed with Dubai over its traditional Islamic legal code.

"I am very, very happy," Marte Deborah Dalelv told The Associated Press after she heard about the news. "I am overjoyed."

Public pressure had been placed on officials after Dalelv opened up in interviews about the sentence. She had been in Dubai for a business meeting when the attack occurred.

In Norway, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide posted a Twitter message: "Marte is released! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help."

It is unclear whether the sentence of her attacker will also be changed, a Sudanese man who was also charged with sex outside of marriage and consuming alcohol. However, there have been reports from the AFP that he has also been freed and handed back his passport.

"I have my life back," said Dalelv. "This is a great day."