TL; Dr:
- The Federal Authority confirmed more than 32,000 visa violations for identification, citizenship, customs and port security (ICP).
UAE January -June 2025. - In February alone, 252 inspection operations resulted in arrest and exile; 4,771 establishments were inspected.
- More than 6,000 persons were arrested in January, undergoing exile processing.
- The federal law number 29 of the enforcement 2021 and aligns with related resolutions, emphasizing the ongoing national security and labor regulation.
In a clear demonstration of UAE’s tough immigration and labor enforcement, authorities recorded more than 32,000 visa violations in the first half of 2025. The figure was officially confirmed by the Federal Authority by the Federal Authority confirmed by the Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Safety (ICP) and a local news outlet was reported for the Khaleej time, Emirates. The violations surfaced through hundreds of inspection campaigns, including an important post-menesty drive after the ex-gratia period for the correction of the condition at the end of 2024. This wave of enforcement not only underlines the UAE’s zero-optimity approach to residential violations, but also to secure the country’s economic stability, social order, where there is deviation in an area in an area.
Inspection operations and enforcement activity
In February alone, ICP carried out 252 coordinated inspection operations “towards a safe society” under the banner. These operations covered 4,771 establishments, exposing several violations such as misuse of residency permit and unauthorized work, which led to arrest, court referral, fine and exile orders. Energy and property sector businesses, as well as private residences, were systematically investigated to ensure that they were legally hired and sponsored properly. The ICP stressed that non-non-non-non-employers also faced significant punishment.
Post-Menesty Crackdown
After the four-month amnesty period (Sept-DEC 2024), the ICP intensified the enforcement in January 2025. More than 6,000 violations were arrested in national campaigns in all Emirates. According to the Director General of the ICP, 93% of the arrested people started exile procedures immediately. These efforts were part of the “a safe society” national security initiative, which aims to protect the public order following the conclusion of Amnesty. Officials also announced a plan to prosecute individuals and companies, which were found to be violating residence and labor laws.
Total violations recorded in the first half of 2025
By mid -2025, ICP confirmed that more than 32,000 visa violator was documented. These individuals included people who used to work illegally, used to work illegally or violate the terms of their visa. This comprehensive figure includes people arrested during enforcement operations and identified through administrative surveillance. Under the Federal Law No. 29 of 2021, several face punishment, exile order, or entry restriction, which controls admission and residence provisions. Under the Federal Law No. 29 of 2021, ICP is empowered:
- Suspend or cancel the visa and residency permit.
- Refer to inspection and violations for administrative fines and exile.
Cabinet resolution, which implements these provisions, authorizes a fine up to AED 100 ($ 27) per day for illegal residence, suspension of guarantor visa privileges, and accelerates rapid removal.
Effects on employers and residents
Employers who hire visa violations may get serious consequences. According to immigration experts and legal advisors, the penalty can reach 1 million ($ 272,255) per violations as determined under the Ministry of Federal Law and Labor Regulations. Results of violations include administrative detention, exile, and fine, as well as potential re -entry restrictions. This enforcement initiative underlines the importance of strictly following visas, sponsorship and labor regulations for individuals and businesses working in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE monitoring and displays its commitment to enforcement security, fairness and systematic development of residence and labor regulations. More than 32,000 visa violations recorded in the first half of 2025 highlighted the scale of ongoing administrative vigilance. Looking forward, coordinated efforts between ICP, GDRFA, Mohre, and judicial bodies will continue to comply with and ensure legal transparency in foreign jobs and residences.
