6,000 arrested for UAE visa-related violations after Amnesty ends

Dubai: Around 6,000 violators were arrested for various violations across the UAE after the Amnesty ended, a top official of the the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, said the arrests were made during 270 inspection campaigns that were conducted.

“These inspection campaigns reflect our unwavering dedication to enforcing the country’s legal framework,” Major General Al Khaili said.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure that all individuals residing in and visiting the UAE adhere to the established legal standards,” he added.

The arrested individuals include both men and women.

The campaigns are part of a broader strategy to safeguard the UAE’s social and economic stability, ensuring that all residents comply with national laws regarding identity, citizenship and customs.

93 per cent deported

Major General Al Khaili said 93 per cent of those arrested had their deportation procedures completed. These inspections followed the conclusion of a four-month grace period for violators to adjust their status.

The grace period, which ran from September 1 to December 31, 2024, gave individuals an opportunity to either leave the country voluntarily or regularise their status by obtaining a new work contract. This initiative was part of the ICP’s broader strategy to encourage compliance and enhance the nation’s security.

He emphasised that the UAE’s leadership is dedicated to providing a secure and lawful environment for all residents and those wishing to work and reside in the country. He noted that proactive services, aimed at anticipating the needs of residents before they arise, help maintain public order and stability.

He also stressed that the authority’s efforts are central to enhancing the UAE’s position as a global leader in governance and competitiveness.

The inspection campaigns are part of a long-term strategy to instill a culture of law adherence and respect for human rights, supporting the nation’s continued progress in both regional and global contexts, he said.

The law enforcement operations also address the social, economic and security challenges that arise from violations of foreign entry and residency regulations.

The inspection campaigns were carried out in coordination with relevant government authorities. They were strategically planned to target locations with the highest concentration of violators. Legal actions were swiftly taken, with fines imposed on both violators and individuals or organisations found guilty of harbouring or employing them illegally.

ICA made it clear that no leniency would be shown toward violators, as the rule of law would be fully enforced.

New powers granted

Major General Saeed Salem Al Hass Shamsi, Acting Director-General of the Identity and Foreign Affairs Department at the authority, explained that the inspection campaigns are carried out in an organised manner in cooperation with relevant government entities, targeting the locations of violators across the country.

Legal procedures are then taken, and fines imposed on those apprehended, as well as those who harbour or employ them. He emphasised that there will be no leniency with violators, and the law will be enforced on both the violators and those who harbour or employ them.

He pointed out that the Foreign Entry and Residency Law grants the authority the power to monitor foreigners who enter the country on entry visas and fail to leave within the permitted time, as well as those whose residency permits or temporary work permits have expired and who do not take action to renew or adjust their status within the specified period.

The law also grants the authority the power to impose legal actions and fines on anyone who harbours or employs violators during their violation, noting that the law allows the authority to stop issuing visas to the sponsor or host entity of a foreigner if they fail to comply with the regulations governing the entry of foreigners.

He noted that the Foreign Entry and Residency Law grants the authority the power to carry out inspection campaigns targeting violators, defining categories of violators, with a particular focus on those who employ foreigners without the proper authorisation.

This applies especially to those bringing foreigners through a contract or sponsorship in violation of the applicable laws, as well as those who do not employ foreigners brought to the country to work under a contractual relationship, and those working for others. The law also covers anyone who commits any of the violations outlined in the law and its implementing decisions.

Penalties defined

He stated that the law stipulates that anyone who assists, participates or facilitates a foreigner’s violation of the law will be punished with imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000. If they employ a violator without being their sponsor, a fine of Dh50,000 will be imposed.

In the case of a violator caught working for someone other than their sponsor, the violator will be detained and referred for a court ruling, including imprisonment, deportation and a ban on re-entering the country.