At an amnesty centre in Dubai. GDRFA

UAE authorities have deported more than 5,500 individuals who overstayed their visas, following a nationwide crackdown on residency violators, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) announced. The arrests were made during 270 inspection campaigns conducted across the country in January, just weeks after the UAE’s visa amnesty program ended in December 2024. The initiative was part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with the country’s residency laws. The ICP confirmed that of the 6,000 individuals arrested, 93 percent have already been deported, with remaining cases undergoing legal processing. Many of the violators were apprehended in targeted operations conducted in various emirates. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a secure and legally compliant environment for residents and expatriates. “The UAE’s leadership is dedicated to ensuring a safe and lawful society for all who live and work here. Compliance with residency regulations is crucial in maintaining societal stability,” he said. The amnesty program, which ran from September 1 to December 31, 2024, provided visa overstayers with an opportunity to rectify their status. They could either exit the country without a facing a ban or fines, or secure legal employment and remain in the UAE. However, those who failed to take advantage of the grace period are now facing legal consequences. Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs at the ICP, stated that the crackdown will continue, with severe penalties for violators and those who shelter or employ them. “We are implementing zero tolerance against visa violations. The law will be strictly enforced on both violators and those who facilitate illegal residency,” he warned. The UAE’s Entry and Residence Law grants authorities the right to monitor foreign nationals who remain in the country beyond their visa validity. The law also imposes penalties on individuals or businesses that harbor or employ visa violators, with fines and potential bans from hiring foreign workers. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about visa regulations and seek proper legal channels for visa renewals or job changes. The ICP has reiterated that businesses must comply with labor laws to avoid penalties. The crackdown is expected to continue in the coming months as part of the UAE’s broader efforts to regulate the labor market and strengthen national security measures. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page