Officials at an amnesty centre in Dubai. GDRFA

The UAE has intensified its crackdown on visa violators and those who assist them, with authorities warning of severe penalties for individuals and businesses caught employing or sheltering overstayers. Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), confirmed that inspection campaigns are being conducted nationwide in collaboration with relevant government departments. “These inspections target both overstayers and those who facilitate illegal residency, whether by providing shelter or unlawful employment,” Al Shamsi said. “There will be zero tolerance for such violations, and strict legal measures will be taken.” Under UAE law, individuals who help foreigners violate residency regulations can face imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh10,000. Employers who hire workers without proper permits may face fines of up to Dh50,000. Authorities warned that individuals working for employers who are not their legal sponsors risk imprisonment, deportation, and a re-entry ban. “Violators who are caught working illegally will be subject to legal action, including incarceration and mandatory deportation,” Al Shamsi added. The law also grants the ICP the authority to suspend visa issuance for employers or businesses found violating labor regulations. This measure aims to deter companies from engaging in illegal employment practices. Authorities have reiterated that hiring foreign workers without legal permits not only undermines labor market regulations but also exposes businesses to severe penalties. The government is urging employers to ensure full compliance with labor laws to avoid repercussions. In recent years, the UAE has implemented stringent visa regulations to maintain security and regulate the labor force. The latest crackdown aligns with the country’s broader efforts to enforce immigration laws and prevent illegal employment practices. The ICP has advised residents and businesses to verify visa statuses through official channels and report any violations. “Ensuring legal residency is a shared responsibility. We encourage the public to cooperate with authorities in maintaining a lawful and secure environment,” Al Shamsi emphasized. The ICP warned that further inspection campaigns will be carried out across the country to identify and penalize violators. ICA/Expat Media
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