Within the framework of campaigns aimed at ensuring compliance by foreign citizens with laws on foreign labor and its procurement, as well as on preventing violations related to illegal labor and procurement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the implementation of 252 inspection campaigns across the entire United Arab Emirates in February 2025 under the slogan 'Towards a More Secure Society.'
For the monthly operation, 4,771 establishments were inspected, which led to the detention of several violators who were not working under their legal sponsors, thereby violating UAE laws. Major General Suhail Saeed Al-Haili, General Director of ICP, confirmed the agency's unwavering commitment to ensuring compliance with the law and guaranteeing that the established norms are adhered to.
Employers and individuals unlawfully employing foreign workers without permission have faced serious sanctions. Major General Al-Haili emphasized that the Law on the Entry and Employment of Foreigners in the UAE grants authorities the right to conduct inspections to identify violations.
According to the Law on the Entry and Employment of Foreigners, a fine of 50,000 dirhams (AED) is imposed on any person or organization that violates the law on illegal hiring, employment of foreign workers without permission, and living conditions of foreign workers.
During the inspections in February 2025, violations such as hiring unauthorized foreign workers or operating without permission were recorded. Other non-compliant use of foreign workers was also identified. Violators were required to pay a total fine of 600,000 AED, while workers were fined 1,000 AED and deported from the country.
Major General Al-Haili called on all members of society to strictly comply with the Law on the Entry and Employment of Foreigners regarding hiring, sponsoring, and employing foreign workers. Fines are reduced for each violation, ensuring accountability for each case.
As a result of the inspection in February, a UAE citizen and an Asian national were detained for illegal labor hiring 12 foreign workers without official permits. The main goal is to ensure national security and social stability, as well as to protect the rights of all individuals living and working in the UAE under the law.
Strict judicial measures are applied to violators, including referral to judicial authorities, imposed fines, and orders for deportation for those for whom such decisions were made by the prosecutor. Major General emphasized that ICP will not tolerate violations, and all violators will be subject to legal consequences, supporting the same commitment of the country to social and economic stability and sustainable growth.
