UAE residency law violators: Over 32,000 caught in first half of 2025
More than 32,000 violators of the UAE's Entry and Residency Law were apprehended between January and the end of June 2025, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Read-
The arrests came as part of a broad series of inspection campaigns conducted across the Emirates under the slogan 'Towards a Safer Society.' The initiative is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to enhance compliance with immigration laws and ensure the lawful residence and employment of foreigners.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, said the primary goal of the campaigns is to reduce the number of violators and uphold social stability. 'These campaigns aim to guarantee a dignified life for residents and visitors by ensuring they live and work within the framework of the law,' he said.
Legal action, deportations underway
Al Khaili emphasised that the authority's strategy includes not only enforcing the law but also raising public awareness about the importance of legal compliance. 'We are committed to instilling a culture of lawfulness in society,' he said. 'Those who are found to be in violation are given an opportunity to rectify their status or face deportation in accordance with legal procedures.'
Of the individuals apprehended, approximately 70 per cent have already been deported after completing the required legal processes. Others are currently in detention and will be referred to the relevant authorities for further action.
The Director General stressed that inspection campaigns will continue across all emirates. He added that dedicated task forces are working around the clock to identify and apprehend violators, and that strict penalties—including fines—will be imposed on both the violators and those who employ or shelter them.
'The Entry and Residency Law includes strong deterrents for anyone who breaks the law or helps others to do so,' Al Khaili noted.
Public urged to support law enforcement
Al Khaili called on all members of society to comply with the Entry and Residency Law and to avoid employing or assisting violators. He emphasized that public cooperation is vital to maintaining security and social order.
'The law is clear, and its enforcement protects the safety and integrity of our society,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Video: Body of woman found dead in Sharjah taken to Kerala hometown for final rites
The mortal remains of Vipanchika Maniyan, the 31-year-old Indian woman who was found dead in Sharjah a day after taking the life of her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter, have been taken to her hometown in Kerala, ANI reported on Wednesday, July 23. Vipanchika, who hailed from Kundara in Kollam, was taken back to her hometown for final rites after her postmortem was completed at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, a day after the body was flown from Dubai on Tuesday, July 22. Her mother had arrived in Dubai to take her daughter's final remains back home, accompanied by Vipanchika's brother, who resides in the UAE. Meanwhile, her daughter was laid to rest at the Sonapur New Cemetery in Dubai, according to a social worker. The tragic incident took place on July 10, when authorities discovered the bodies of the 31-year-old and her daughter inside their Sharjah apartment, alongside a handwritten note. According to social workers, Vipanchika had been in a strained marriage with her husband, Nidheesh Valiyaveettil, against whom her family has now filed a case of dowry harassment in India. The two were reported to have been living separately since some time and a "legal case had also been filed by the husband through a lawyer, and a notice had been sent to the woman", said a social worker. The heartbreaking incident had just created unrest within the UAE community, when a little than a week later, another body of an Indian woman was found in her Sharjah apartment on July 19. Thirty year old Athulya Shekhar had celebrated her birthday the previous day with her sister and was set to start a new job soon. Her family has also filed a case against her husband, who found her body, with charges including abetment of suicide, physical abuse, dowry-related offences, and cruelty, according to Indian media and social workers. After the tragic deaths, mental health experts and social workers are calling for urgent awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence and the critical need for timely mental health support.
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Lebanese parliament lifts immunity from sitting MP for first time since 2000
Lebanon 's parliament has voted to lift immunity from a sitting MP for the first time in 25 years, opening the way for a former minister to face corruption charges. Georges Bouchikian is facing allegations stemming from his time as minister of industry between 2021 and 2025. Mr Bouchikian, who is from the Armenian Tashnag party and an MP for Zahle, denies the charges. Ninety-nine MPs voted to lift his parliamentary immunity, well over the simple majority required of those present. In the same session on Wednesday, MPs also voted to refer three former telecommunications ministers to a commission of inquiry amid corruption claims. It was a parliamentary session marked by repeated power cuts and technical issues. With the cooling systems not working in the middle of a scorching summer day, many MPs removed their jackets. On July 8, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Jamal Hajjar, sent a request via Justice Minister Adel Nassar to parliamentary authorities to remove Mr Bouchikian's immunity so he could be questioned. He had left Lebanon the day before for a family trip, but strongly rejected claims that he was trying to flee justice, and reiterated that he would co-operate with authorities. 'At the time of my departure, no decision had been issued to pursue legal action against me, nor was there any formal request to lift my parliamentary immunity,' he said this week. 'No one is above accountability, and no one should be denied legal protection,' he added. The government that took office this year under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vowed to tackle corruption in Lebanon. A former economy minister, Amin Salam, was arrested last month following an investigation into alleged financial crimes.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Waiting at red signal for too long? Stop before white line for quicker green light
Ever found yourself waiting at a traffic signal for way longer than you anticipated? That may be because you haven't stopped right before the white line. Stopping your vehicle before the white line is mandatory, the Roads and Transport Authority reminded residents in an advisory on Wednesday. Following this rule also allows sensors at the signal to spot your car and adjust the timing of the light accordingly, making it green sooner. If caught, lack of lane discipline could get you a fine of Dh400. Meanwhile, running a red light comes with a release fee of Dh50,000 and a stiffer penalty of Dh100,000 will have to be paid for confiscated vehicles that participate in illegal road race. For those who don't want to pay the release fee, the vehicle must be impounded for 30 days and pay a fine of Dh1,000, along with deduction of 12 black points. Earlier this year, Dubai tightened its traffic laws, introducing imprisonment and hefty penalties of up to Dh200,000 for various traffic violations — from jaywalking to driving under the influence of drugs.
