Intensified Clampdown on Visit Visas for Travel Agents Warned in UAE

Intensified Clampdown on Visit Visas for Travel Agents Warned in UAE

Stricter Enforcement of Immigration and Labour Laws in UAE Post-Amnesty

After the conclusion of the visa amnesty programme in 2024, Dubai authorities have tightened their grip on illegal employment practices, particularly for individuals working on visit visas. The renewed enforcement efforts aim to curb the misuse of tourist visas and uphold UAE labour and immigration laws.

Key new penalties and measures include:

1. Deportation and Travel Bans: Violators may face detention, deportation at their own expense, and travel bans preventing re-entry into the UAE for a defined period.
2. Fines: Absconders or illegal workers can be fined significantly, which must be paid before they can resolve their status, lift bans, or avoid deportation.
3. Legal Action: Working without a valid work permit or using fraudulent documents can lead to legal consequences, including prosecution under UAE immigration laws.
4. Strict Enforcement of Labour Laws: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces that working without a valid MoHRE-issued work permit is illegal. Employers hiring individuals without such permits also face penalties.
5. Monitoring and Zero Tolerance Policy: Continuous monitoring by MoHRE includes field inspections and digital tracking to identify violations quickly. Repeat offenders face severe sanctions such as fines, licence cancellations, and permanent bans.

These measures underscore a zero-tolerance approach by Dubai and UAE authorities post-amnesty, reinforcing that employment without proper permits, especially on visit visas, is subject to harsh penalties including deportation, fines, travel bans, and legal repercussions.

The focus is on protecting labour market regulations and maintaining legal compliance across sectors. The number of visit visa overstayers in the UAE has dropped by more than half due to the renewed enforcement.

Additionally, the UAE has imposed new requirements for tourists, such as providing proof of sufficient funds and confirmed return air tickets. Noushad Hassan from Alhind Travels Business Centre reported an increase in company inspections since the visa amnesty ended.

The UAE recently amended its labour law in August 2023 to impose heavy penalties on companies found hiring workers without valid permits or bringing them into the country without securing employment for them. The penalties range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million.

Bharat Aidasani, Managing Director of Pluto Travels, advised against working on visit visas due to increased inspections and severe penalties. Noushad Hassan did not mention any specific penalties for non-compliance with the new entry requirements.

Sources:

1. Khaleej Times
2. Gulf News
3. Arabian Business
4. Gulf Business
5. Zawya

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