The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at an amnesty centre in Dubai. ARCHIVE

Authorities in the UAE have intensified their crackdown on visa violators, arresting more than 6,000 individuals in large-scale inspection campaigns, according to officials on Monday (February 3). The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that more than 270 inspection campaigns had been carried out across the country. "Inspection campaigns will continue, so we advise the public not to take such violations or violators lightly," said Major-General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the ICP. The crackdown comes after the visa amnesty program ended on December 31, 2024. The amnesty scheme, which began on September 1, was originally scheduled to end on October 31 but was later extended until December 31. Authorities urged all illegal residents to take advantage of the grace period to either rectify their status or leave the country without facing legal consequences. With the amnesty now over, the UAE government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards visa violations. Those caught overstaying their visas now face immediate deportation, daily accumulating fines, and permanent entry bans. Major-General Sultan Al Nuaimi of the ICP issued a strict warning: "There will be no leniency, and there will be no court proceedings. Violators will be apprehended and placed on the banned entry list." Inspection teams are targeting residential areas and business establishments known for hiring illegal workers. Employers who hire overstayers face steep fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million under federal laws against illegal employment practices. The UAE has a long history of offering visa amnesty programs, with the 2024 initiative being the fourth of its kind since 2007. Despite these periodic grace periods, authorities stress that illegal residency is not an option in the country’s strict regulatory environment. "With the UAE tightening regulations, overstaying a visa is no longer an option. Those who have missed the amnesty must immediately exit the country or face legal consequences," an ICP spokesperson said. Officials have confirmed that deportations have already begun, and overstayers who fail to leave will be blacklisted from entering the UAE in the future. As the crackdown continues, residents and employers are being urged to comply with immigration laws to avoid severe penalties. ICA/Expat Media
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