UAE fines duo Dh600,000 for hiring 12 workers illegally
ICP conducts 252 inspections to identify residency violations
Abu Dhabi: Two individuals—an Emirati and an Asian expatriate—have been arrested in the UAE for illegally employing 12 foreign workers without proper permits. A joint fine of Dh600,000 has been imposed on the two individuals, while the violating workers have also been asked to pay Dh1,000 each, before their deportation from the UAE.
The arrests follow 252 inspections conducted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) across the UAE in February.
The inspections aimed at detaining individuals violating the country’s Foreigners’ Entry and Residence Law.
The campaign, conducted under the slogan “Towards a Safer Society”, covered 4,771 establishments.
Lieutenant General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, said, “We are dedicated to applying the law and enhancing the compliance of all parties with the regulations and measures that protect the safety and stability of our society. At the same time, we ensure the protection of the rights of everyone, including foreign workers, and provide them with a dignified life within the legal framework of the UAE.”
The violators were referred to relevant judicial authorities, where appropriate penalties, including fines, would be imposed. The fines extend not only to the violators but also to those employing or sheltering them without following the correct procedures. In some cases, the deportation of violators has been ordered by the public prosecution.
In instances where individuals violate the law—whether by hiring foreign workers without due permissions or failing to follow established procedures—a fine of Dh50,000 can be imposed for each violation. The fine amount increases if multiple violations occur.
Lieutenant General Al Khaili stressed the importance of compliance with the law across all sectors of society.
“We urge everyone in the UAE to adhere to the provisions of the Foreigners’ Entry and Residence Law when recruiting, employing, or sheltering foreigners. Employers should only hire individuals with whom they have a legal, contractual relationship, and avoid hiring those with a foreign sponsor other than themselves,” he stated.
