Do not Work on Visit Visa in the UAE – Authorities in Dubai have intensified inspections and crackdowns on individuals working illegally while on visit visas. Travel agents report a noticeable increase in inspection campaigns across office towers and business premises, targeting companies that may be employing workers on visit visas.
This move follows the conclusion of the UAE’s generous visa amnesty programme, which ran from September to December 2024. The initiative allowed individuals overstaying their visas to either legalize their status or leave the country without facing penalties. According to officials, over 6,000 violators were arrested in inspection campaigns that took place in January following the end of the amnesty.
Travel agents have noted that since the beginning of this year, there has been a sharp decline in the number of people overstaying on visit visas — with figures dropping to less than 10 per cent.
They emphasize that working on a visit visa has always been illegal in the UAE and that the consequences for doing so are severe. These can include detention, hefty fines, and deportation. Companies found employing individuals without proper work permits can face fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million under the UAE’s updated labour law.
Multiple companies have already been inspected, and the increased enforcement is seen as a positive step toward ensuring compliance with immigration and labour laws.
Travel agents also highlighted the plight of many workers who, after overstaying their visit visas, are left stranded without support. In some cases, they are unable to afford return tickets or pay overstay fines, especially when the companies that brought them to the UAE refuse to take responsibility.
Recently, new rules have also been implemented requiring visitors to the UAE to have confirmed return tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of sufficient funds — either in cash or in a bank account. These steps are expected to further prevent misuse of the visit visa system and protect vulnerable jobseekers from exploitation.
Message to the Nepali Community:
To all Nepalese brothers and sisters in the UAE or planning to come here — please be aware that working on a visit visa is strictly illegal. It may seem like a quick solution, but the risks are extremely high, including arrest, deportation, and permanent bans. If you’re planning to work in the UAE, always come through the proper legal channels. Let’s stay informed, stay safe, and support each other in building a better and more secure future in the UAE. Please Do not Work on Visit Visa in the UAE.
धेरै नेपाली दाजुभाइहरू जानकारीको अभावमा वा गलत आश्वासनमा परी अवैध रूपमा काम गर्ने जोखिम मोलिरहेका छन्, जुन दीर्घकालीन रूपमा ठुलो क्षतिको कारण बन्न सक्छ। कतिपय अवस्थामा त कम्पनीहरूले जिम्मेवारी नलिने र फर्कन टिकटसमेत जुटाउन नसक्ने अवस्था पनि देखिएको छ।
त्यसैले, यदि तपाईं युएईमा काम गर्न चाहनुहुन्छ भने, कृपया कानुनी प्रक्रिया अपनाउनुहोस्। सस्तो बाटोको लोभमा नपरी दीर्घकालीन सुरक्षित भविष्यका लागि सही निर्णय लिनुहोस्। आफ्नो सुरक्षाको लागि सचेत रहनुहोस् र अरूलाई पनि जानकारी गराइदिनुहोस्।