Archive · 15 Dec 2025
UAE Tightens Visa Rules with Severe Penalties
The UAE has strict rules about visas and residency.
If you break these rules, you can get in big trouble.
For example, if you let someone stay with you who doesn't have the right papers, you can go to jail and have to pay a lot of money.
If you use a visa for something it's not supposed to be used for, like working when you're only supposed to be visiting, you can also get in trouble.
Even companies can get fined if their employees break these rules.
It's important to follow the rules to stay out of trouble.
The UAE has strict penalties for visa and residency violations, including imprisonment and fines.
Harbouring or employing undocumented residents can result in imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh5 million.
Misusing visas, such as working on a tourist visa, can lead to fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
Providing false information or forging documents can result in imprisonment and mandatory deportation for foreigners.
Companies can face fines and potential closure if their representatives commit visa-related offences.
- Who
- Residents, employers, and companies in the UAE
- What
- Violations of residency and visa rules
- When
- Under Federal Law No. 29 of 2021
- Where
- United Arab Emirates
- Why
- To safeguard public security and maintain social order
- Law Governing
- Federal Law No. 29 of 2021
- Penalty for Harbouring Infiltrators
- Imprisonment (2 months minimum) and fines (Dh100,000 to Dh5 million)
- Penalty for Visa Misuse
- Fine (Dh10,000 minimum), possible imprisonment, and deportation
- Penalty for False Information
- Imprisonment (up to 6 months), fines (Dh5,000 to Dh10,000), and possible deportation
- Penalty for Forging Documents
- Imprisonment (up to 10 years) and mandatory deportation for foreigners
- Penalty for Companies
- Fines (Dh50,000 minimum per violation) and possible business closure (up to 6 months)
- Penalty for Overstaying Visa
- Daily administrative fines, possible imprisonment (up to 3 months), and deportation