6,000 arrested in crackdown on UAE residency violations

Over 6,000 violators of the UAE’s entry and residency laws were arrested in January during 270 inspection campaigns across the country.

Deportation procedures have been completed for 93% of those detained by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.

This effort followed a four-month grace period (from September 1 to December 31, 2024) that allowed violators to rectify their status.

The ongoing inspections target locations where violators are known to be, and are being carried out in coordination with various government entities. 

Legal action, including fines, will be taken against both violators and those who shelter or employ them.