The UAE government, in an official statement, emphasized the penalties for violations that may threaten national security or disrupt public order, as the country strives to strengthen its regulations governing the entry and residency of foreigners.

The UAE government aims to ensure that residents and tourists comply with the rules governing their presence in the UAE.

The government clarified that harboring illegal residents and migrants is one of the most serious residency violations. These violations raise serious concerns, as illegal migrants may participate in illicit activities that threaten public security or help evade regulatory authorities.

Federal Law No. 29 of 2021 concerning the entry and residency of foreigners stipulates strict penalties for this violation, including fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 5 million in cases involving multiple violators or organized networks, in addition to a prison sentence of no less than two months.

Anyone providing any kind of support to an illegal immigrant, whether it be housing, employment, or any other assistance that enables them to remain in the country illegally, is criminally liable. This underscores the UAE’s firm stance against this offense.

These fines demonstrate the country’s full awareness of the risks posed by individuals entering the UAE without following legal procedures.

The presence of unrecognized or unregistered individuals can lead to security problems that are difficult to detect, as well as the risk of engaging in illicit activities.

Therefore, the strict enforcement of the law is crucial for maintaining social stability and protecting both residents and citizens.

In addition to the direct security risks, the legislation highlights the importance of using visas for their intended purpose.

The UAE’s robust visa system is a fundamental element of its residency management.

Using a visa for purposes other than those for which it was issued-for example, working while residing on a visit or tourist visa-is considered a serious crime that disrupts public order and exposes the perpetrator to legal accountability.

The law stipulates a fine of no less than AED 10,000 for such violations, with the possibility of imprisonment depending on the type and circumstances of the offense.

The law also prohibits the forgery of residency documents or their unauthorized use, as this poses a direct threat to the national identity system and state security.

Penalties include imprisonment for up to 10 years and other deterrent penalties, which vary depending on the type of forged document and how it was used. This reflects the seriousness of tampering with official documents and the resulting security threats.

This strict law reflects the UAE's commitment to promoting the integrity of the labor market and curbing the use of tourist or temporary visit visas as a means of illegal employment.

These stringent laws encourage fair competition, protect workers' rights, and prohibit circumventing legal procedures aimed at protecting society and regulating contractual relationships between individuals and organizations.

Law enforcement in the UAE extends beyond entry and residency violations to include any attempt to forge or misuse residency documents.

These crimes pose a direct threat to national security, identity systems, and regulatory procedures, and are therefore prosecuted with the utmost seriousness.

The penalty for forgery can reach up to ten years imprisonment and other deterrent penalties, which vary depending on the type of document and the nature of the crime.

These stringent requirements reflect the UAE's awareness of the serious risks associated with forging official documents, such as using fake identities in illegal activities or entering the country based on false information.

The country's rigorous legislation reflects its comprehensive vision of creating a secure environment that fosters development, while providing a clear legal framework that ensures compliance with the law. The UAE aims to create a safe and orderly environment that protects its citizens while simultaneously allowing law-abiding individuals freedom of movement, through a combination of deterrent penalties and innovative border and residency monitoring technologies.

These initiatives are part of the UAE's comprehensive legislative framework and advanced processes, which have contributed to making it one of the world's most efficient countries in managing residency and identity systems.

These hefty fines are not isolated measures, but rather part of a strategic objective to maintain the UAE as a safe place to live, work, and invest.

In short, UAE laws emphasize that adherence to the rules is fundamental to ensuring security and social stability.

As the country updates its legislation and strengthens its monitoring systems, one message remains clear: security is a red line, and any transgression that threatens social stability will be met with penalties.