Islamabad, Aug 20: Legal experts predict that a recent revision to the UAE labor code will deter firms from recruiting people with visitation visas. Under the new regulations, employers who hire people without the necessary permissions or who bring them to the UAE without offering them a job risk fines of up to Dh1 million.
The Dh200,000 punishment, up from Dh50,000 before, according to Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, head of ECH Digital, “underscores the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring lawful employment practices.” When a visitor’s tourist visa expires, some firms have taken advantage of them by promising them residency and work permits often without paying them for work completed during this time. It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will stop these unlawful activities and ensure that labor rules are followed.
The risks of working on a visitation visa are exemplified by the case of South African expat Kieran Foury. He was requested to work until his visit visa expired by a company after landing in Dubai in December 2023. Foury was ultimately fired after being told repeatedly that his work visa would be granted, and he was had to pay Dh5,500 in overstay fees in order to depart the nation.
The risks of working on a visitation visa are exemplified by the case of South African expat Kieran Foury. He was requested to work until his visit visa expired by a company after landing in Dubai in December 2023. Foury was eventually fired after being told repeatedly that his work visa would be granted, and he was had to pay Dh5,500 in overstay fees in order to leave the
It is expressly forbidden by the UAE government to work while on a visitation or tourist visa. Only once the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) issues an offer letter is employment permitted.
Legal counsel generally advises companies to refrain from permitting guests to work without authorization, citing serious legal repercussions for noncompliance.The modifications, according to Hadiel Hussein, senior associate at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, create a more stringent regulatory environment for employers, and the significant rise in fines acts as a powerful deterrent. Employee security and protection are also improved by the modifications, reducing the possibility that they would experience unfair or illegal treatment.
