TL;DR:
- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed more than 32,000 visa violators detected across the
UAE during January–June 2025. - 252 inspection campaigns in February alone resulted in arrests and deportations; 4,771 establishments were inspected.
- Over 6,000 individuals arrested post-amnesty in January are undergoing deportation processing.
- Enforcement aligns with Federal Law No. 29 of 2021 and related resolutions, emphasizing ongoing national security and labour regulation.
In a clear demonstration of the UAE’s stringent immigration and labour enforcement, authorities recorded more than 32,000 visa violators in the first half of 2025. The figure, officially confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and reported by a local news outlet Khaleej Times, reflects the ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal residents, visa overstays, and unauthorised employment across all emirates. The violations came to light through hundreds of inspection campaigns, including a significant post-amnesty drive launched after the grace period for status rectification ended in late 2024. This wave of enforcement not only underscores the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach towards residency breaches but also aims to safeguard the nation’s economic stability, social order, and legal integrity in a region where foreign workforce management is critically regulated.
Inspection Campaigns and Enforcement Activity
In February alone, the ICP conducted 252 coordinated inspection campaigns under the banner “Towards a Safer Society.” These operations covered 4,771 establishments, uncovering multiple violations such as residency permit misuse and unauthorised work, leading to arrests, court referrals, fines, and deportation orders. Energy and property sector businesses, as well as private residences, were systematically checked to ensure foreign workers were legally hired and appropriately sponsored. The ICP emphasised that non-compliant employers also faced significant penalties.
Post-Amnesty Crackdown
Following a four-month amnesty period (Sept–Dec 2024), the ICP intensified enforcement in January 2025. Over 6,000 violators were arrested in national campaigns across all emirates. According to the ICP’s Director-General, 93% of those arrested had deportation procedures initiated promptly. These efforts were part of the “Towards a Safer Society” national security initiative, aiming to protect public order following the amnesty’s conclusion. Authorities also announced plans to prosecute individuals and companies found violating residency and labour laws.
Total Violators Recorded in 2025’s First Half
By mid-2025, ICP confirmed that over 32,000 visa violators had been documented. These individuals included people who overstayed, worked illegally or violated their visa conditions. This comprehensive figure includes those arrested during enforcement campaigns and those identified through administrative monitoring. Many face penalties, deportation orders, or entry bans under Federal Law No. 29 of 2021, which governs entry and residency provisions. Under Federal Law No. 29 of 2021, the ICP is empowered to:
- Suspend or cancel visas and residency permits.
- Conduct inspections and refer violators for administrative fines and deportation.
Cabinet Resolutions, which implements these provisions, authorize fines of up to AED 100 ($27) per day for illegal residence, suspension of guarantor visa privileges, and expedited removal.
Impact on Employers and Residents
Employers found to be hiring visa violators may face serious consequences. According to immigration experts and legal advisors, penalties can reach up to AED 1 million ($272,255) per violator, as stipulated under Federal Law and Ministry of Labour regulations. Consequences for violators include administrative detention, deportation, and fines, as well as potential re-entry bans. This enforcement initiative underscores the importance of strictly adhering to visa, sponsorship, and labour rules for individuals and businesses operating in the UAE. The UAE’s monitoring and enforcement of residency and labour regulations demonstrate its commitment to security, fairness, and orderly development. Over 32,000 visa violators recorded in the first half of 2025 highlights the scale of ongoing administrative vigilance. Looking forward, coordinated efforts between the ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE, and judicial bodies will continue enforcing compliance and ensuring legal transparency in foreign employment and residency.
