UAE registers over 32,000 residency law violations in first half of 2025
UAE’s ICP steps up inspections as thousands face action for residency breaches
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has apprehended over 32,000 individuals for violating the Foreign Entry and Residency Law between January and the end of June 2025.
These arrests were made as part of nationwide inspection campaigns under the initiative “Towards a Safer Society”, aimed at promoting compliance with laws governing the residency and employment of foreigners in the UAE.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, stated that the campaigns are intended to reduce the number of violations and to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a dignified life by encouraging legal residency and employment.
He emphasised that the inspections reflect ICP’s commitment to fostering a culture of legal compliance and addressing violations through measures that either allow individuals to rectify their status or result in deportation — both contributing to national security and societal stability.
Legal action was taken against all those apprehended. Approximately 70% were deported following due legal process, while others were detained pending referral to the relevant authorities for further proceedings.
Major General Al Khaili confirmed that ICP will continue its inspection campaigns across the country. He added that dedicated teams are working around the clock to apprehend violators, stressing that no leniency will be shown towards breaches of the law — including those who shelter or employ individuals unlawfully.
He also reminded the public that the law imposes strict penalties and fines not only on violators but also on those who aid or employ them. The Director General urged all members of society to comply with the Foreign Entry and Residency Law and contribute to maintaining public safety and legal order.
Key details:
Number of violations: Over 32,000
Timeframe: First half of 2025
Responsible authority: The specific authority responsible for recording the violations was not clearly mentioned in the available reports.
Objective: Strengthen oversight and ensure strict enforcement of residency laws
Significance of the announcement:
Impact on the labour market: Stricter enforcement of residency regulations may affect the labor market, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on foreign workers.
Impact on society: The announcement could help raise awareness about the importance of complying with residency regulations and the consequences of violations.
Impact on visitors: Visitors may become more mindful of their permitted stay duration and the requirements for renewing or adjusting their residency status to avoid penalties.
Additional notes:
Grace period: The UAE typically provides a grace period for individuals to rectify their residency status after their visa has expired, which may sometimes be extended.
Overstay fines: Fines for overstaying in the UAE range from AED 25 to AED 50 per day.
Status adjustment: Violators can often regularize their status within the country without the need to exit, such as converting a visit visa into a work or family residency visa, or through official mechanisms for correcting their legal status.
Residency renewal fees: Fees for renewing residency visas vary depending on the type and duration of the visa.
‘Towards a Safer Society’ campaign
The announcement of these violations is part of the “Towards a Safer Society” campaign launched by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, which began on September 1st and will continue until October 31st, 2025.
The campaign aims to help violators regularize their residency status, thereby supporting public safety and improving quality of life for both residents and visitors.
This humanitarian initiative aligns with the UAE’s values of tolerance, compassion, and social cohesion, offering exceptional support to violators by giving them an opportunity to correct their status and continue living and working legally in the country.
Inspection campaigns: Deterring violators
The “Towards a Safer Society” initiative also highlights the UAE’s continuous efforts to strengthen public security through inspection and monitoring campaigns aimed at:
Raising public awareness: Educating the public about the importance of complying with laws and cooperating with authorities.
Identifying violations: Detecting and addressing violations that may pose risks to public safety.
Enhancing deterrence: Discouraging potential violators through strict enforcement of laws.
Improving safety levels: Fostering a secure environment for living, working, and investing.
Inspection campaigns cover various areas, including:
Commercial establishments: Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards in shops, restaurants, factories, and more.
Vehicles: Checking roadworthiness and traffic law compliance.
Individuals: Verifying identity and combating criminal activity to maintain public safety.
Border checkpoints: Preventing smuggling and ensuring immigration and customs laws are upheld.
These efforts require coordinated collaboration between authorities and active support from the community.
270 inspection campaigns in January 2025
The most recent large-scale inspection drive was conducted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security in January 2025, during which around 270 inspection campaigns took place nationwide under the “Towards a Safer Society” slogan.
These efforts led to the apprehension of approximately 6,000 violators, and 93% of those detained were successfully processed for deportation.
Penalties for aiding residency law violations
The law imposes strict penalties on anyone who aids or facilitates a foreigner in violating residency laws. These include:
Imprisonment and a minimum fine of AED 10,000 for aiding or abetting a violation.
If an individual employs a violator without being their official sponsor, a fine of AED 50,000 is imposed.
If a violator is found working for someone other than their sponsor, they are detained and referred to the judiciary, which may issue a sentence of imprisonment and deportation, along with a ban from reentering the UAE.
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