Do not hire overstayers, firms warned
dubai — Authorities in Dubai on Wednesday warned employers against hiring people who have overstayed their visas and those who are living in the country illegally.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai launched an initiative called ‘Country Without Violators’ to raise the public’s awareness of the dangers and penalties associated with employing visa violators.
Hiring a person who is not allowed to work in the country is an offence punishable by a minimum fine of Dh50,000, said Counsellor Dr Ali Humaid bin Khatim, senior advocate-general and head of residency and naturalisation prosecution.
According to the law, penalties could reach Dh100,000, in addition to a two-month jail term, if an employer is found to have hired an individual who came into the country illegally, Bin Khatim added. Visa violators would also have to face hefty fines or imprisonment and deportation.
Col Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the anti-infiltrators department at the Dubai Police, said violations of the country’s residency rules are also a security concern.
“This year, there were 18 alarming crimes that had been traced to such violators. However, this has been a significant decrease from the figures recorded in previous years, thanks to the efforts of the Dubai Police,” Col Al Shamsi said.
The police are working with other government authorities to address visa violations. “We are conducting regular inspections across the emirate to crack down on illegal residents,” the officer added.
Authorities advised people staying illegally in the country to avail of the ongoing visa amnesty scheme which is set to end on December 31.
This year, there were 18 alarming crimes that had been traced to visa violators. However, this has been a significant decrease from the figures recorded in previous years.”
Col Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of anti-infiltrators department, Dubai Police