1. Harbouring or employing infiltrators
Sheltering or employing infiltrators is considered a serious offence due to potential threats to public security. Penalties include:
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Imprisonment: Minimum of two months.
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Fines: From Dh100,000 up to Dh5 million, depending on the number of offenders or if organised networks are involved.
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Deportation: Mandatory for the foreigner in all cases, and repeated offences may lead to deportation of the employer or harbourer.
4. Facilitating visa violations
Using, assisting, participating in, or facilitating a visa contrary to its intended purpose is a serious offence. Key penalties include:
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Fine: Minimum Dh10,000, with the amount increasing based on the number of violators.
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Imprisonment: Possible depending on the nature of the violation.
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Deportation: Mandatory for the foreigner involved.
This provision ensures that visas are used only for the purposes for which they were issued, preventing misuse that could undermine UAE immigration regulations.
5. Forging or using forged documents
Forging visas, residence permits, or official documents, or knowingly using forged documents, can lead to severe penalties:
6. Penalties for companies
Companies can also be penalised if their representatives commit offences under the law:
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Fine: Minimum Dh50,000, multiplied per violation.
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Closure: The court may close the business for up to six months.
7. Administrative fines for visa and residency non-compliance
a) Overstaying or expired permits
Foreigners who fail to renew visas or residence permits, or do not leave the UAE within the specified period, may face:
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Administrative fines: Calculated for each day of illegal residence.
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Imprisonment or smaller fines: Up to three months or Dh4,000 if the fine is not paid.
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Deportation: May be ordered.
b) Residency documentation for newborns
Parents must obtain residency and identity documents for a newborn within four months: