By Web Desk 
The United Arab Emirates has launched a stringent crackdown on companies hiring individuals on visit visas, signaling a significant shift in the country’s labor laws. Legal experts have noted that recent amendments to the UAE labor law impose much harsher penalties on employers who engage in such practices. The new rules aim to protect workers from exploitation and ensure that all employment within the country adheres to legal frameworks.
Under the revised law, fines for companies hiring workers without proper work permits or bringing individuals to the UAE under false pretenses have escalated dramatically. Previously, fines ranged from Dh50,000 to Dh200,000. However, the recent amendments now impose penalties ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to enforcing labor laws and safeguarding worker rights.
Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, director at ECH Digital, highlighted that these increased fines are a clear indication of the UAE government’s dedication to cracking down on illegal employment practices. According to Al Kaabi, some employers have taken advantage of visit visa holders, promising residency and work permits after their tourist visas expire, only to exploit these workers without compensating them fairly. The new amendments aim to put an end to such exploitative practices by holding employers accountable for their actions.
The case of Kieran Foury, a South African expatriate, serves as a stark warning to those considering working on a visit visa. Foury arrived in Dubai in December 2023 and was hired by a company that assured him his employment visa would be processed before his visit visa expired. However, despite repeated assurances, Foury found himself dismissed from the job, forced to pay Dh5,500 in overstay fines, and ultimately left the country with no legal recourse.
The UAE government has reiterated that working under a visit or tourist visa is strictly illegal. Employment can only commence after the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues an official offer letter. Legal advisors are strongly urging employers to comply with these regulations to avoid severe legal consequences.
Hadiel Hussein, a senior associate at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, emphasized that the recent amendments create a more regulated environment for employers. The substantial increase in fines serves as a strong deterrent against hiring visit visa holders, while also providing greater protection for employees. Hussein also pointed out that the involvement of MOHRE in mediating disputes and issuing enforceable decisions on small claims will streamline the legal process, benefiting both employees and employers.
These new regulations mark a significant step towards ensuring that the UAE’s labor market operates fairly and transparently. By enforcing these stricter rules, the UAE government is sending a clear message that illegal employment practices will not be tolerated, and that the rights of workers must be respected.