Dubai Cracks Down on Visa Fraud: 161 Accused Fined Dh152 Million, Deported

Dubai has reinforced strict measures against illegal residency and visa exploitation, targeting 161 defendants with fines and deportation.

 

In a landmark ruling, the Citizenship & Residency Court in Dubai imposed fines totalling Dh152,240,000 on 161 defendants involved in serious visa and business violations.

 

The businesses had shut down operations without regularising the residency status of sponsored employees. Investigations by Dubai authorities also revealed that the defendants had unlawfully exploited entry permits, including trading and selling them for personal gain.

 

Alongside the hefty fines, the court ordered the deportation of all 161 defendants from the UAE. Officials highlighted that the ruling underscores Dubai’s firm approach to maintaining the integrity of its residency and labour systems, while protecting employee rights. Authorities stressed that any misuse of visas or failure to comply with residency regulations will face severe penalties.

 

The UAE maintains a zero-tolerance policy on residency and labour law violations. In a recent case, the Citizenship and Residency Court convicted 21 individuals involved in one of the largest visa fraud schemes in the emirate’s history.

 

The defendants were found guilty of establishing 33 fictitious companies using fake addresses to unlawfully obtain 385 residency visas, which they then sold. The court imposed fines totalling Dh25.2 million and ordered the deportation of all 21 defendants.

 

UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980) mandates that employers must regularise the residency and work status of all sponsored employees. Failure to comply can result in fines, closure of establishments, and deportation -- measures applied in this landmark ruling.

 

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has consistently warned businesses about the legal consequences of hiring employees without valid residency or engaging in visa trading. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect employee rights and uphold the integrity of the UAE’s labour and residency systems.