Plugging visit visa loopholes

The problem of expatriates working on visit visa has been there since the inception of this type of visa. There will always be people, both employer and employee alike, who think it smarter to circumvent the law than observe it.

Yet the penalties of doing so are well known and extremely severe: a fine and jail and, for the expatriate worker, deportation.

Knowing this, therefore, it is remarkable to note that the number of workers illegally employed on visit visas is on the increase, which can only mean more people are prepared to take risks not only with employment but with their lives, for deportation creates a stigma that lasts forever.

Over the years, various methods have been introduced at one time or another to discourage the illegal employment of workers, even occasional amnesties to rectify and legalise workers' situations. But still the problem persists; apparently heavy financial penalties and jail are not enough to deter the risk-takers.

Now a suggestion has been made to print on visa application forms and visas the penalties that can be incurred should a visitor to the UAE, or even a sponsor, take it upon themselves to work illegally. If it works, well and good.