UAE issues new measures on visa crimes

In one of the most significant cases regarding the unlawful use of residency visas, the defendants were found guilty.  To recruit people, they created fictitious companies, which they then abruptly closed without regularizing the legal status of the employees they had hired.

After the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai identified the suspects and questionable businesses, the Public Prosecution began its investigation.

Following careful observation, investigations, and examinations of the companies' alleged offices—later discovered to be nonexistent—the arrests were made.  According to Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem, Senior Advocate General and Head of the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution, the firms were established exclusively to illegally obtain resident visas.

A thorough investigation

The defendants were referred to the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution after their arrest, where they undertook additional investigations and gathered all the material required for a solid case.  Following that, the case was tried in the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Court, which found the 21 defendants guilty.

According to Dr. Bin Khatem, 33 businesses that were utilized as fronts to obtain and abuse 385 resident visas were included in the investigation.  Additionally, it was discovered that the majority of business licenses were granted with fictitious addresses, suggesting a conscious attempt to circumvent and take advantage of labor and residency regulations for unlawful gain.

In order to maintain social stability and the integrity of the labor market, Dr. Bin Khatem continued, "The Public Prosecution will continue to work closely with its partners to address any violations of laws governing the entry and residence of foreigners as well as labor regulations."