Authorities arrested over 6,000 UAE visa violators during January after the amnesty scheme ended on December 31. More than 270 inspection campaigns were carried out under the initiative titled Towards a Safer Society.
According to Major-General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), deportation is underway for 93% of the UAE Visa violators. He stressed that inspection campaigns would continue, urging the public not to take such violations lightly.
When asked about future measures, Al Khaili confirmed no new procedures were needed since current systems are already efficient.
During the four-month grace period from September 1 to December 31, violators had the opportunity to legalize their status. They could either leave without facing a re-entry ban or secure new work contracts to stay legally.
“This initiative helped many individuals regularize their residency,” Al Khaili explained. “After the grace period, we intensified inspections nationwide to locate remaining violators and enforce legal actions.”
Brigadier General Saeed Salem Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs at ICP, emphasized that the campaigns were conducted in collaboration with various government entities. He warned that there would be zero tolerance for violators and those who shelter or employ them.
“Legal measures and fines are imposed on both violators and facilitators,” he stressed. “Anyone who enables illegal stays will face penalties.”
Under the UAE Entry and Residence of Foreigners Law, violators and their enablers face strict punishments. Those who assist violators face imprisonment and fines of at least Dh10,000. Employers hiring violators without proper sponsorship face fines of Dh50,000. Violators caught working illegally risk detention, imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent re-entry ban.
This crackdown underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a secure and well-regulated residency system.
