Watch: Federal Authority intensifies crackdown on residency violators in UAE
Hiring illegal residents can lead to Dh50,000 fine and imprisonment
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has stepped up its enforcement of the UAE’s Foreigners’ Entry and Residency Law, The ICP teams are conducting inspections as part of crackdown against illegal residents in the UAE.
In a series of coordinated inspection campaigns, ICP has teamed up with key partners to deploy specialised task forces across the country. The goal of these operations is to identify and apprehend individuals residing in the UAE without proper documentation or in violation of residency laws.
National security
The inspections, which are part of a broader ongoing initiative to safeguard national security, have already led to the identification and detention of several violators. Legal measures have been taken in accordance with the UAE’s laws on residency and foreign entry.
Authorities have warned that failure to comply with residency laws could result in serious legal consequences.
Full compliance
As part of this initiative, ICP has confirmed that these inspections will continue regularly, reinforcing the integrity of the nation’s border security and ensuring full compliance with the Foreigners’ Entry and Residency Law.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed about the country’s legal requirements and ensure their residency status is compliant with regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
Arrests
Following the end of the Amnesty period (Sept. 1 — Dec. 31, 2024), around 6,000 individuals were arrested for various violations in the UAE in January, with 270 inspection campaigns carried out by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). Some 93% of those arrested have already been deported.
The authorities concerned show no leniency toward violators as legal actions, including fines and deportations, are being swiftly enforced.
Under the UAE’s Foreign Entry and Residency Law, the ICP has the authority to monitor and take action against those who overstay visas, fail to renew permits, or employ individuals in violation of the law. Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and deportation.
Dh50,000 fine
Those who assist or employ visa violators face severe penalties, including fines up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment.
