UAE Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Visit Visa Violations, Travel Agents Warn Against Working on Visit Visas
Dubai authorities have intensified their efforts to curb illegal employment practices following the conclusion of a generous visa amnesty scheme.
Travel industry professionals report a surge in inspections targeting individuals working on visit visas, resulting in a sharp decline in overstayers.
According to Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, numerous company premises have been inspected in recent months. "Inspection teams have visited our office tower multiple times. While working on a visit visa has always been illegal, enforcement has now become much stricter,"
he stated.
The visa amnesty, which ran from September to December 2024, allowed individuals who had overstayed their visit visas to legalize their status or leave the country without penalties. Following its conclusion, authorities conducted extensive inspection campaigns in January, leading to over 6,000 arrests for visa violations, a top official revealed.
Industry experts note a significant impact on overstaying figures. "Since January, the number of visit visa overstayers has dropped to below 10%, which is a substantial improvement,"
Mohammed added. Bharat Aidasani of Pluto Travels emphasized the legal repercussions, stating, "We strictly advise our customers against working on visit visas. The consequences are severe, including deportation."
The UAE bolstered its labour laws in August 2023, introducing stringent penalties ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for companies employing individuals without valid work permits or bringing workers into the country without securing jobs for them.
Noushad Hassan of Alhind Travels Business Centre confirmed increased inspections across various companies since the amnesty ended. "Authorities are ensuring compliance, and we've observed a steady decline in overstayers,"
he said.
Hassan also noted that, previously, some individuals found themselves stranded after overstaying their visas. "Many contacted us for assistance in returning home. Now, visit visa renewals require individuals to exit the country first, making it harder for unscrupulous firms to exploit workers."
The ongoing crackdown underscores Dubai's commitment to maintaining a lawful labour environment, ensuring compliance with visa regulations, and protecting workers from potential exploitation.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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