The UAE has stepped up enforcement against individuals working while on visit visas, following the end of a visa amnesty programme. This initiative, which ran from September to December 2024, allowed overstayers to either legalise their status or leave the country without penalties. Now that the amnesty period is over, authorities have intensified inspections to ensure compliance with visa and labour laws for all expats. Keep reading to find all the important details you need to know.
Also read: Moving To Dubai Soon? Here Are 12 Types Of Visas The UAE Offers
Large-Scale Inspections & Over 600 Arrests
Since January, officials have conducted widespread inspections across businesses in Dubai. These checks aim to identify individuals working without the proper permits. In just the first month after the amnesty ended, over 6,000 visa violators were arrested during inspection campaigns. Reports suggest that enforcement efforts have significantly reduced the number of visit visa overstayers. Figures have dropped by more than 50% since the start of the year.
Heavy Fines For Employers Hiring Without Permits
For the employers – hiring workers who do not have the correct employment visas has always been illegal in the UAE, but authorities are now imposing stricter penalties. A law amendment in August 2023 introduced fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million for companies that employ individuals without valid work permits. Businesses that violate these regulations may also face additional legal action.
Stricter Entry Rules For Tourists
To further prevent visa misuse, new entry requirements have been introduced for those arriving in the UAE on tourist visas. Travellers must now provide proof of:
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel reservations
- Sufficient funds in cash or in a bank account.
These measures aim to stop individuals from entering the country under a visit visa with the intention of working.
No Loopholes: Working On A Visit Visa Is Not Allowed
Authorities are making it clear – working while on a visit visa is strictly prohibited. With tighter inspections, tougher penalties, and stricter visa requirements, individuals seeking employment in the UAE must obtain the correct work visa before starting a job.
