The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented much stricter enforcement of residency and visa regulations, with fines now reaching up to AED 5 million for serious violations.
Authorities have stepped up actions against illegal employment, visa fraud, and the sheltering of unauthorised individuals, underlining that breaches of residency rules are now treated as major national security concerns. These measures are supported by revised legislation, improved monitoring systems, and a nationwide commitment to maintaining social stability.
The reforms aim to protect the labour market, uphold the integrity of the UAE’s identity systems, and maintain the country’s reputation as a safe destination for residents, workers, and investors. With penalties significantly increased, it is essential for all residents, employers, and visitors to fully understand the regulations.
1. Key Violations
One of the gravest residency-related offences is harbouring or employing individuals who enter or remain in the UAE without proper legal authorisation. Under Federal Law No. 29 of 2021 concerning the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, fines start at AED 100,000 and may reach up to AED 5 million in cases involving organised activities or multiple offenders. A minimum custodial sentence of two months is also mandatory.
Authorities emphasise that responsibility extends beyond employers. Anyone who provides accommodation, financial support, logistical assistance, or any form of aid that facilitates illegal stay can face prosecution. Officials have reiterated that no exemptions or leniency will be offered, given the significant risks such actions pose to national security.
2. Visa Misuse
Authorities are also cracking down on the growing issue of working on visit or tourist visas. Employers who hire individuals on such visas face fines starting at Dh10,000, while the visa holders themselves may face imprisonment depending on the circumstances. Officials note that misuse of visa categories disrupts labour market integrity and undermines the UAE’s structured residency system.
Regional media have highlighted that using a visa for purposes other than those for which it was issued is now considered a breach that affects public order. Each visa type must correspond strictly to its intended activity, and violators may face immediate legal consequences, including fines and potential jail time.
Officials emphasise that the measures aim to ensure fair employment practices and maintain transparent, regulated, and fully documented labour relations. The updated framework is designed to close loopholes that previously allowed unlawful employment.
3. Document Forgery
Forgery or illegal use of residency documents is another high-risk violation. Authorities classify it as a direct threat to the nation’s identity system and security. Penalties include imprisonment for up to ten years, in addition to substantial fines that vary based on the type of document and manner of use.
The UAE has repeatedly warned that tampering with official documents, including creating fake identities or forged residency papers, may facilitate illegal activities. Enforcement targets both those who produce forged documents and those who knowingly use them.
Officials note that modern digital systems, biometric checks, and identity verification tools have improved detection speed and accuracy. Strengthened oversight forms part of a broader, long-term strategy to maintain a secure and trusted residency framework.
4. Labour Market Protection
These penalties form part of a broader initiative to establish a transparent and regulated labour environment. Preventing the misuse of visit and tourist visas for work is central to ensuring fair competition, employer accountability, and protection of workers’ rights.
Authorities stress that these measures are integrated into a comprehensive system of smart procedures and modern legislation. This includes advanced border controls, digital tracking of entry and exit records, and an enhanced inspection framework across the country.
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on irregular residency, illegal employment, and document fraud. Large-scale inspections and enforcement campaigns are already underway.
The message remains clear across all channels: any action that disrupts social order, threatens national security, or compromises the identity system will incur the strictest penalties. This applies to employers, facilitators, agents, landlords, and anyone knowingly involved in or supporting violations.
As enforcement intensifies, residents and businesses are urged to remain informed and fully comply with UAE residency regulations to avoid penalties that are now among the harshest in the region.
