The authorities of the United Arab Emirates have approved new laws that introduce strict measures regarding foreign nationals who violate legislation on entry and residency. The head of the Department of Identification and Foreign Affairs, Major General Saeed Salem Al-Shamsi, announced that protective measures and penalties will apply to individuals who evade or bypass violations during their period of noncompliance with the laws. The law also presumes the possibility of suspending the issuance of visas to sponsors or host organizations if they violate the norms governing the entry and residency of foreigners. Specifically, the law categorizes violators, especially those who are deemed foreigners without the appropriate permission, including individuals brought into the country under contracts or sponsorship programs, who violate existing laws and regulations. It also encompasses individuals who are not classified as foreign nationals in conjunction with contractual agreements, as well as those who work not with their own legal sponsors, and all those committing violations anticipated by the law and its implementation decisions. Major General Al-Shamsi emphasized that the law prescribes penalties that include deprivation of freedom and fines of no less than 10,000 dirhams for those who assist, participate, or condone the violations committed by foreigners. He pointed out that no leniency will be shown towards violators, and the law will strictly apply both to direct violators and to individuals concealing or harboring them. In his statement, Major General Al-Shamsi highlighted that the Law on Entry and Residency of Foreigners grants authorities full control over foreigners arriving in the country on temporary visas, but does not compromise their established terms. In cases where a violator is caught working for someone other than their sponsor, they will face detention, judicial rulings of deprivation of freedom, deportation, and also a ban on re-entering the country. Conducted inspections are aimed at identifying locations of violators, for which legal measures and penalties apply; also targeting those who are concealing or harboring them. Additionally, if a physical person is identified as a violator without having a legal sponsor, a fine of 50,000 dirhams will be imposed. These measures also extend to individuals whose status of legally permitted residency or temporary employment is prohibited without taking necessary actions to renew or correct their status within the established terms. Major General Said Salem Al-Shamsi also announced that inspection campaigns are being organized across the entire UAE in cooperation with the relevant governmental bodies.
