In a significant enforcement move, a UAE court has fined two individuals Dh600,000 for illegally employing 12 workers, spotlighting the country’s strict residency and labour regulations. This incident, reported on March 17, 2025, by Khaleej Times, follows extensive inspections by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), which checked 4,771 establishments in February and arrested multiple residency law violators. For employers and workers in the UAE, this serves as a critical reminder to adhere to legal employment practices to avoid hefty fines and deportation.
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What Happened: Fines and Deportations
The two individuals faced a Dh600,000 penalty after being caught employing 12 workers without proper authorization during the ICP’s February inspections. The workers themselves were fined Dh1,000 each and deported. The ICP’s crackdown involved 252 inspections across various emirates, targeting violations such as:
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- Employing workers without a valid labour card or permit.
- Allowing workers to work for a company other than their registered employer.
- Hiring legal residents brought by contractors without proper documentation.
Major-General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, ICP’s director-general, emphasized that violators and their employers face legal action, with courts issuing fines and deportation orders based on the severity of the offences.
UAE Labour Laws: The Legal Framework
The UAE enforces stringent residency and labour laws to regulate its workforce, primarily through the ICP and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Common violations include employing workers without a UAE labour card—a mandatory document proving legal employment—or permitting workers to operate outside their official sponsorship. Penalties are steep:
- Fines of up to Dh50,000 for employing or housing illegal workers.
- Identical penalties for recruiting workers without providing jobs, allowing them to work elsewhere.
- Multiplied fines for repeat offenders.
Major-General Al Khaili has urged employers to ensure all workers are hired under valid contracts and to verify their labour card status. For workers, understanding how to check labour card status through MOHRE’s online portal or app is essential to confirm their employment aligns with UAE regulations.
The Visa Amnesty Context
This crackdown follows a four-month visa amnesty from September 1 to December 31, 2024, during which violators could either leave the UAE without a ban or secure legal work contracts. While many regularized their status, the ICP intensified inspections post-amnesty, arresting 6,000 residency violators in January alone and deporting most. The recent February inspections reflect a continued effort to address remaining illegal employment cases, ensuring compliance nationwide.
Implications for Employers and Workers
For employers, this incident highlights the financial and legal risks of bypassing labour laws. A Dh600,000 fine is a substantial hit, not to mention potential business disruptions and reputational damage. Workers caught in such situations face deportation and barriers to future employment in the UAE. Key takeaways include:
- Employers: Verify every worker’s UAE labour card and avoid shortcuts like hiring through unauthorized contractors.
- Workers: Regularly check your labour card status to ensure your employer is compliant, reducing your risk of legal trouble.
With inspections on the rise, staying proactive is more critical than ever.
How to Stay Compliant in the UAE
Tips for Employers
- Ensure all workers have a valid labour card before onboarding. Learn more in this guide.
- Avoid employing workers sponsored by other entities without proper transfer documentation.
- Stay informed via the MOHRE website or ICP updates.
Tips for Workers
- Check your labour card status using your Emirates ID on the MOHRE app or website. Unsure how? Read this post.
- Confirm your employment matches your official sponsor to avoid violations.
- Seek help from MOHRE if you suspect irregularities in your work status.
Conclusion: Compliance Is Key
The UAE’s firm stance on illegal employment, as demonstrated by the Dh600,000 fine and deportations, underscores the need for vigilance. Whether you’re an employer managing a workforce or a worker building a career, understanding and following UAE labour laws is non-negotiable. Avoid the pitfalls of illegal employment by ensuring every labour card is in order and every contract is legitimate.
Have questions about how to find your labour card number or navigate UAE labour regulations? Drop a comment below or share this post with your network to raise awareness. For official updates, visit the ICP website.
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