The Dubai Citizenship and Residency Court has handed down convictions and imposed fines amounting to Dh25.21 million on 21 individuals of various nationalities involved in a large-scale visa fraud scheme.
The case involved the misuse of residence permits and the establishment of fake businesses used to exploit foreign workers. These companies were created solely to issue visas and were later abruptly shut down, leaving the workers’ residency status irregularised.
According to Counsellor Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem, Senior Advocate General and Head of the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution, the investigation began after suspicious activities were reported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. Authorities discovered that the companies in question had no real operations and existed only on paper.
Thorough Investigation and Prosecution
After tracking and inspecting the companies’ listed premises — which were found to be fictitious — law enforcement detained the accused. They were later referred to the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution, where a comprehensive investigation gathered the required evidence for trial.
Dr. Bin Khatem revealed that the probe covered 33 business entities, which were used as fronts to illegally obtain 385 residence visas. Many of these businesses had registered using fake addresses, indicating a calculated attempt to exploit the visa and labour systems for financial gain.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect the Legal System
Dr. Bin Khatem reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on violations related to immigration and labour laws. He stressed that the Public Prosecution would continue collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard the legal framework governing foreign residency and employment in the UAE.
