ABU DHABI—The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced exceptionally stringent measures against illegal residency and employment within its borders, escalating its crackdown to safeguard its labor market and address potential threats to national security.
The Emirate government has made it clear that harboring, employing, or providing accommodation to individuals residing illegally in the country constitutes a serious offense. Facilitators of such activities face severe penalties, with fines reaching up to 5 million Dirhams (approximately PKR 380 million). Penalties for providing housing or jobs to undocumented residents can include both hefty fines and jail time.
Zero Tolerance for Visa and Document Violations
Under the new regulations, working while on a visit visa has been formally criminalized, carrying a minimum fine of 10,000 Dirhams (over PKR 760,000). Penalties for using forged residency documents are even more severe, potentially leading to up to 10 years of imprisonment.
UAE authorities have declared that any violation of residency laws is now deemed a “crime against national security,” emphasizing the gravity of the issue and the government’s resolve. Officials confirmed that strict enforcement of immigration laws is underway to protect the labor market, with a zero-tolerance policy being applied to violators. Furthermore, visa renewal processes have been conditionally linked to the payment of all outstanding traffic fines, reinforcing the push for overall legal compliance.
