Latest news with #FederalAuthority
The National
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UAE arrests 32,000 over six months in visa overstay crackdown
More than 32,000 people were arrested for flouting UAE visa rules in the first half of the year under a renewed crackdown launched following the end of a nationwide amnesty campaign. About 70 per cent of those held for breaches of entry and residency rules between January and the end of June were subsequently deported, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said on Tuesday. Authorities had previously warned that enforcement action would be stepped up after the four-month visa amnesty drive, which ran from September 1 to December 31. Maj Gen Suhail Al Khaili, director general of the ICP, said the inspection campaigns would continue, in an effort to ensure all sections of society abide by the law. He said visa offenders and others assisting them would face legal action and financial fines if caught out and urged employers against hiring illegal workers. Why was amnesty campaign important? The government's visa amnesty aimed to offer a reprieve to people living in the country without valid documentation, who may be reluctant to come forward due to fears over being jailed or fined. It gave them a crucial grace period to settle their legal status or leave the country without facing legal action or heavy financial penalties. 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. There are several reasons why people may try to remain in the country without valid documentation. Although some may be seeking to evade detection, others will have lost jobs and businesses or split from a spouse, leaving them without a sponsor. 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. What are the visa rules? Most residents living or working in the UAE have a two or three-year visa in their passport. That has since been replaced with the Emirates ID. In April 2022, visa changes were introduced by the UAE Cabinet and more categories were added. This included an expansion of golden visas and the introduction of green visas, with several of the new categories aimed at self-employed people and business owners. The new rules came into effect in September that year. What are the overstay fines? The financial penalty has been standardised at Dh50 a day for tourists or residents who overstay their visas, following updates by the ICP in October 2022.
Gulf Business
18 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE residency law violators: Over 32,000 caught in first half of 2025
Image credit: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes More than 32,000 violators of the UAE's Entry and Residency Law were apprehended between January and the end of June 2025, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Read- The arrests came as part of a broad series of inspection campaigns conducted across the Emirates under the slogan 'Towards a Safer Society.' The initiative is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to enhance compliance with immigration laws and ensure the lawful residence and employment of foreigners. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, said the primary goal of the campaigns is to reduce the number of violators and uphold social stability. 'These campaigns aim to guarantee a dignified life for residents and visitors by ensuring they live and work within the framework of the law,' he said. Legal action, deportations underway Al Khaili emphasised that the authority's strategy includes not only enforcing the law but also raising public awareness about the importance of legal compliance. 'We are committed to instilling a culture of lawfulness in society,' he said. 'Those who are found to be in violation are given an opportunity to rectify their status or face deportation in accordance with legal procedures.' Of the individuals apprehended, approximately 70 per cent have already been deported after completing the required legal processes. Others are currently in detention and will be referred to the relevant authorities for further action. The Director General stressed that inspection campaigns will continue across all emirates. He added that dedicated task forces are working around the clock to identify and apprehend violators, and that strict penalties—including fines—will be imposed on both the violators and those who employ or shelter them. 'The Entry and Residency Law includes strong deterrents for anyone who breaks the law or helps others to do so,' Al Khaili noted. Public urged to support law enforcement Al Khaili called on all members of society to comply with the Entry and Residency Law and to avoid employing or assisting violators. He emphasized that public cooperation is vital to maintaining security and social order. 'The law is clear, and its enforcement protects the safety and integrity of our society,' he said.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arabian Business
UAE holidays 2025: Is there another long weekend in September? Expected dates revealed
UAE residents could look forward to another long weekend in September 2025. To mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the occasion – known as Mawlid al-Nabi – is observed on 12 Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, this is expected to fall on Thursday evening, September 4, subject to the sighting of the moon. If confirmed, this would result in a three-day weekend, starting Friday, September 5. The UAE Cabinet previously announced that both public and private sector employees would receive the same number of official holidays, in line with the unified holiday calendar. Official confirmation of the holiday will come closer to the date, based on lunar observations. The final decision rests with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the relevant local authorities. Earlier in the year, residents in the UAE had several public holidays, including Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which provided extended weekends. The remaining public holidays for 2025 include Commemoration Day and National Day on December 1 and 2.
Khaleej Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE denies rumours of lifetime Golden Visa for select nationalities
The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP) debunked on Tuesday rumors 'circulating in some local and foreign media and websites about the UAE granting' a lifetime golden residence for a number of nationalities are not true. ICP pointed out that the categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with the laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions, and those wishing to know them can obtain them through the Authority's website or smart application.
Khaleej Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE authority clarifies no Golden Visa issuance for crypto investors
The information circulating on some websites and social media platforms regarding the UAE granting golden residency to cryptocurrency investors is false, authorities confirmed. The clarification was issued in a joint statement issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
