Over 32,000 arrested for violating UAE residency laws

The UAE arrested over 32,000 people who violated residence laws in the first six months of 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security said on Tuesday. 

His Excellency Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, said that the Authority's inspection campaign, called "Towards a Safer Society," aims to reduce violations and provide a "decent life for residents and visitors of the country by providing them with opportunities to live and work in accordance with the law."

Al Khaili stressed that the inspection campaigns reflect the Authority's determination to spread and consolidate a culture of compliance with the law among members of society, and to eradicate the phenomenon of violators by taking the necessary legal measures against them and providing them with the opportunity to rectify their status or be deported, thus supporting community security and preserving its stability.

He pointed out that legal measures were taken against the violators who were caught, with approximately 70 per cent of them being deported after completing the legal procedures approved against them. A number of those caught were also detained pending their transfer to the competent authorities to implement the law regarding them. 

His Excellency Major General Suhail Al Khaili stressed that the Authority is continuing its inspection campaigns against violators nationwide, noting that specialised teams are working continuously to apprehend violators.

He affirmed that the Authority will "not be lenient" in taking the necessary legal measures against those who violate the law on the entry and residence of foreigners, as well as those who shelter or employ them.

He noted that the law regulating the entry and residence of foreigners in the country imposes strict penalties and fines on violators and those who employ or shelter them in violation of the law.

The Authority's Director General urged all segments of society in the UAE to abide by the provisions of the Law on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners in the UAE, and to refrain from employing violators, in implementation of the law's provisions and to contribute to protecting the security of society.