UAE Travel Agents Warn Against Working on Visit Visas Amid Intensifying Crackdown
In recent months, the UAE has ramped up efforts to address the growing issue of individuals working on visit visas.
Travel agents and industry insiders have reported a significant increase in inspections aimed at enforcing regulations and reducing the number of overstayers in the country.
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The crackdown follows the conclusion of a generous amnesty scheme that allowed overstayers to legalize their status or leave without penalties. This initiative, which ran from September to December 2024, helped thousands resolve their visa issues.
However, since its end, the UAE authorities have launched a series of inspections that have resulted in over 6,000 arrests of visa violators.
Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, noted that inspection teams have been actively visiting various company premises.
“While working on a visit visa has always been illegal, authorities are now ensuring strict compliance with the rules,” he stated.
The impact of these measures is evident, with reports indicating that the number of individuals overstaying their visit visas has dropped to less than 10%.
Bharat Aidasani from Pluto Travels emphasized the importance of adhering to visa regulations: “We strictly advise our customers not to work on visit visas.
The penalties for violations are severe, including the possibility of deportation.” In light of the recent inspections, companies are being held accountable, with hefty fines imposed on those who employ individuals without the proper permits.
The UAE’s labor law amendments now impose fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million on companies that violate employment regulations. “This has created a stricter environment for compliance,” added Noushad Hassan from Alhind Travels Business Centre.
As part of the new regulations, tourists coming to the UAE must now demonstrate financial stability by providing confirmed air tickets, hotel reservations, and a specified amount of cash or bank funds.
These measures aim to prevent unscrupulous companies from taking advantage of workers who may find themselves stranded after overstaying their visas.
The ongoing crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to visa regulations in the UAE. With increased inspections and stringent penalties, the message is clear: working on a visit visa is not only illegal but carries serious consequences.
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Khaleej Times
