What are the penalties for employing workers without a visa?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out! I hope you are doing well.

Regarding your inquiry about penalties for letting employees work without a visa, employers in the UAE can face fines and legal action for non-compliance.

The penalties vary based on the situation, such as the employee's unauthorized stay and the specifics of the violation.

We can assist you in understanding the exact provisions and resolving the issue.

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If employees are allowed to work without a visa or with an expired visa, the employer is subject to financial penalties.

Fines typically range from AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 for each employee working without a valid visa.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the statutory provisions relating to the penalty for allowing employees to work without a valid visa in the UAE.

Under the UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations) and UAE Immigration Law (Federal Law No. 6 of 1973), employers are legally obligated to ensure that all employees have a valid work permit and residence visa before commencing employment.

If an employer allows an employee to work without a valid visa, they may face the following penalties:

1. Penalties for Employers:

- Fines: Employers can face fines of up to AED 50,000 per employee working without a valid visa. The fine is imposed for each employee found to be working illegally.

- Criminal Liability: In some cases, the employer may face criminal charges for violating immigration laws.

- Business Suspension or Closure: In severe or repeated violations, the employer's business may face suspension or even closure, depending on the situation and the discretion of the authorities.

- Visa Restrictions: Employers found in violation of immigration laws may be prohibited from applying for new work visas or renewing visas for other employees for a period.

2. Employee Penalties:

Employees working without a valid visa are also subject to penalties, including fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering the UAE for a specified period.

3. Employer's Responsibility:

It is the employer's legal responsibility to ensure that all employees have the proper work visas and residence permits before they begin work. Employers must also ensure the visa remains valid throughout the employment period and renew it as required by law.

4. Recommendation:

To avoid any legal and financial penalties, I highly recommend ensuring that all employees are working with valid, up-to-date work permits and residence visas.

Should you have any employees working without a visa, it is crucial to rectify this situation immediately by either obtaining valid work permits or ensuring the necessary steps are taken to comply with UAE law.

Please let me know if you require further assistance or if you would like to discuss any particular cases in more detail.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for your message!

Under UAE law, employing individuals without a valid work visa or permit is a serious violation. The penalty may include:

- Fines starting from AED 50,000 per worker and up to AED 100,000 in repeat offenses.

- Possible deportation of the worker and suspension or blacklisting of the employer’s business license.

In some cases, imprisonment for the employer or responsible manager.

Penalties may vary depending on the circumstances and the number of workers involved.

To assess your situation accurately and ensure compliance, we recommend booking a consultation or appointing us to act on your behalf.

Best regards.

Hello,

Under UAE law, allowing employees to work without a valid visa is a violation of the law, and the employer may face fines of up to AED 50,000 for each instance of illegal employment.

Additional penalties, such as the cancellation or suspension of the business license, may also apply.

Our legal center specializes in these matters, and we can provide further support via WhatsApp for more details and legal assistance.

Dear questioner,

Working without "a work permit" is considered an offense as per Labor laws as per Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 On Regulation of Labour Relations.

The amount of penalty amounts to 10,000 AED or more. The employer shall obtain an E-visa or visa for the employee, or the employee shall have a visa, either spouse or golden visa, to be issued a work permit. These are the rules as per Immigration.

If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.