UAE officials arrest 6,000 visa offenders in a month in major crackdown

Inspection campaign launched after conclusion of government’s visa amnesty drive on December 31

More than 236,000 people living in Dubai without valid residency documents benefited from the recent visa amnesty drive. Pawan Singh / The National

About 6,000 people have been arrested for breaking UAE residency rules during inspection campaigns conducted since the end of the government's visa amnesty campaign on December 31, authorities announced on Monday.

Maj Gen Suhail Al Khaili, director general of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), said 93 per cent of those arrested had been deported.

The official said the crackdown on visa offenders was launched to ensure all sections of society abide by the law.

The ICP had overseen the four-month visa amnesty drive – which began on September 1 – to offer a reprieve to tens of thousands of people living in the Emirates illegally.

Maj Gen Al Khaili said authorities had urged the public to ensure they took heed of the amnesty while it was in operation, or risked facing heavy fines and legal action if caught flouting the rules.

"The inspection campaigns aim to promote a culture of adherence to law and legislation among members of society, and to strengthen the institutional and legal identity of the UAE," said Maj Gen Khaili. "The UAE welcomes all who want to work and reside here, but enhancing adherence to law and regulations supports societal safety and ensures its stability."

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Maj Gen Saeed Al Shamsi, acting director general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the ICP, warned authorities would take action against anyone in breach of residency regulations and anyone found to have employed, harboured or assisted people living and working in the country illegally, with fines of up to Dh50,000 ($13,610) being imposed.

Amnesty offered lifeline

More than 236,000 people living in Dubai alone without valid residency documentation benefited from the UAE government's visa amnesty drive, officials said before the close of the scheme.

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  More than 15,000 people who have overstayed their visas reached out to the Indian Consulate in Dubai for assistance during the UAE amnesty initiative. All photos: Consulate General of India, Dubai

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  According to official records, more than 5,500 people have availed of the visa amnesty programme at the Indian Consulate

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  The Indian Consulate has issued more than 3,200 outpasses and more than 2,000 short validity passports to enable those who have found a job to renew their UAE visas

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  Officials of the Sri Lankan Embassy help expats sort out their paper work

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  The Sri Lankan Consulate in Dubai has issued more than 1,400 outpasses allowing Sri Lankan nationals to leave the country without paying fines

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  More than 50,000 Bangladesh nationals have applied in government Amer centres to remain in the UAE, Bangladesh Consulate officials said

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  The Bangladeshi mission issued about 5,000 outpass documents

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  The UAE visa amnesty will end on December 31

The major humanitarian initiative provided a crucial grace period in which amnesty seekers could secure their status or leave the country without being fined.

The campaign was initially due to run until October 31, before being extended by authorities until the end of the year due to high demand.

The UAE conducted similar amnesties in 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2018 in which hundreds of thousands of people living in the Emirates illegally came forward for help. About 105,000 people nationwide were given assistance in 2018.

Such amnesties support people without valid documentation who may be reluctant to come forward due to concerns about potential fines or jail sentences.

The moves allow the government to take steps to ensure people are living in the Emirates legally, a key consideration amid a population boom. It is also an opportunity for many to step out of the shadows and grasp the chance of a fresh start – whether in the UAE or back in their home country.