In a significant enforcement action, two individuals—one Emirati and one Asian expatriate—were arrested in the UAE for employing 12 foreign workers without proper permits. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has imposed a joint fine of Dh600,000 on the offenders, while the violating workers are required to pay Dh1,000 each before their deportation from the UAE.

Wide-Scale Inspections Uncover Residency Violations

The arrests followed a series of 252 inspections carried out by ICP in February 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to identify violations of the country’s Foreigners’ Entry and Residence Law. The inspections, conducted under the campaign slogan “Towards a Safer Society,” targeted 4,771 establishments across the UAE, aiming to clamp down on illegal residency practices.

Fines and Deportations: Penalties for Violators

The violators, including both the employers and workers, were referred to the relevant judicial authorities for legal action. Penalties for such violations include substantial fines and, in some cases, deportation. Employers found hiring workers without the necessary permits may face fines of Dh50,000 per violation, with the amount increasing for repeated offenses.

Lieutenant General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and stability of the community while protecting the rights of foreign workers. “We urge all parties to comply with regulations when recruiting, employing, or sheltering foreigners,” he said. “Employers should only hire workers under legal contracts and avoid employing individuals with a foreign sponsor other than themselves.”

The ICP’s efforts reflect the UAE’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a lawful and secure environment while ensuring fair treatment for all workers within the country.

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