UAE Immigration Laws: Key Regulations and Penalties for Residents and Employers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) enforces strict rules to protect public safety and social order. Violating these laws can threaten security, disrupt community stability, and carry heavy penalties. Understanding these regulations is essential for residents, employers, and businesses operating in the country.

Federal Law No. 29 of 2021: Entry and Residency Regulations

Federal Law No. 29 of 2021 governs the entry, residence, and activities of foreigners in the UAE. It emphasizes that sheltering or employing illegal residents can result in unlawful activities and pose serious risks to public security. The law sets clear penalties for violations related to visas, employment, residency permits, and harbouring illegal residents.

1. Harbouring or Employing Illegal Residents

Sheltering or employing infiltrators is a serious offense in the UAE due to potential threats to public security. Penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Minimum two months.

• Fines: From Dh100,000 up to Dh5 million, depending on the number of offenders or involvement of organized networks.

• Deportation: Mandatory for the foreigner, and repeated offences may also lead to the deportation of the employer.

2. Misuse of Visa

Using a visa for purposes other than those intended, such as working on a visit or tourist visa, is a violation. Penalties include:

• Fine: Minimum Dh10,000.

• Imprisonment: Possible depending on circumstances.

• Deportation: The court may order deportation.

3. Providing False Statements

Giving false information to evade the provisions of the law is a punishable offense. Penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Up to six months.

• Fine: Dh5,000–10,000.

• Deportation: The court may order deportation.

4. Facilitating Visa Violations

Assisting, using, or facilitating a visa contrary to its intended purpose is considered a serious offense. Key penalties include:

• Fine: Minimum Dh10,000; fines increase based on the number of violators.

• Imprisonment: Depending on the nature of the violation.

• Deportation: Mandatory for the foreigner involved.

This rule ensures that visas are used strictly for their intended purpose, preventing abuse of UAE immigration regulations.

5. Forging or Using Forged Documents

Forging visas, residence permits, or other official documents—or knowingly using them—can lead to severe penalties:

• Imprisonment: Up to 10 years.

• Deportation: Mandatory for the foreigner involved.

6. Penalties for Companies

Companies are also accountable if their representatives violate immigration laws:

• Fines: Minimum Dh50,000 per violation.

• Closure: The court may close the business for up to six months.

7. Administrative Fines for Visa and Residency Non-Compliance

a) Overstaying or Expired Permits

Foreigners who do not renew visas or residence permits, or fail to leave the UAE within the specified period, face:

• Administrative fines: Calculated for each day of illegal stay.

• Imprisonment or smaller fines: Up to three months or Dh4,000 if unpaid.

• Deportation: The court may order deportation.

b) Residency Documentation for Newborns

Parents must obtain residency and identity documents for newborns within four months.

• Administrative fines: Imposed for each day of delay beyond the four months.