3 UAE Visa Violations That Will Get You Fined or Deported This Month (And How to Stay Compliant)

As the MoHRE and Federal Authority for ID, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) have connected the labor and registration details of employees and citizens, authorities were able to identify violations during visa and employment in real time using smart-gates and electronic tracking.

Even minor errors can have serious repercussions for residents, employees and travelers, such as fines, deportation, travel restrictions and even jail time. At the moment, there are three of the most serious visa violations being actively enforced in the UAE, so read on to see how you can avoid them.

1. Working for an Employer Who Is Not Your Sponsor

Poor authorization is one of the most prevalent and sought offenses. This applies to working for a company different to the one they are treating them, being on a tour/visit visa and taking a job, or to freelance without a permit.

This is considered unlawful employment and is regarded as a serious crime. Employers can be fined AED 100,000, administered by the authorities, for any work carried out by someone who wasn’t legally employed. Violators of employment rules can be deported and jailed up to three months or even banned from entering the UAE for the rest of their lives.

The employees changing their jobs should only start their job when the employer has given them a valid MoHRE Offer Letter and temporary Work Permit for the job. Those who are interested in freelance jobs are required to get a freelance permit from authorised free zones or from authorised government sources.

2. Overstaying Your Visa

The UAE now has a uniform penalty system for overstay throughout all emirates and the enforcement is more consistent and mechanical.

Anyone who overstays their visa after the visa period ending or the grace period following a residency-visa cancellation will automatically be fined. The latest penalty for overstay is AED. 50 each day from the first day overstay and is not subject to any defined limit.

It’s even worse when it goes over 30 days of overstay. If a traveler complies with this requirement, they might have to get an official Exit Permit prior to their departure which usually ranges from AED 250-300. Overstays can also result in detention, prohibitions on immigration, and deportation if they remain in the UAE for long periods.

To prevent the above penalties, it is essential that you regularly check your visa status via official government platforms, and renew or change your visa before it expires. It is also crucial that you know your visa category’s grace period.

3. Absconding Reports and Work Abandonment

Facing an absconding report filed by their employer could be a possibility if employees terminate their employment without the proper legal procedures.

Once approved, an “absconding report” sets the status of the worker as ‘violated’ in government systems. This can inhibit the person from getting another job, initiate a travel ban and subject them to arrest and deportation proceedings.

The best solution is to serve your work visa cancellation notice as per your contract of employment and make sure it is handled properly. It is always important to get and keep copies of their visa termination documents with the workers’ records.

However, if you consider such a report as absconding has been made unfairly, get your evidence on attendance, communication, salary payments and raise a dispute via appropriate channels of MoHRE in due course.

Final Thoughts

UAE immigration systems are growing more automated and joined up as the world becomes more digitalized, compliance is increasingly crucial. For a tourist, a staff, or a citizen, being made aware of the visa regulations, employment rules, and visa renewal deadlines might help you to prevent expensive fines, legal issues, and deportation. Proactive measures today can help maintain the sanctity of your signature and develop a hassle-free tenure to stay in the UAE.

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