Recent changes to UAE labor law aim to deter employers from hiring individuals on visit visas by imposing stricter penalties. Fines for employing workers without proper permits or for bringing them to the UAE without providing a job now range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million, up from the previous range of Dh50,000 to Dh200,000.

Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, director at ECH Digital, highlighted that these increased fines reflect the government’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and enforcing lawful employment practices.

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The amendment targets the misuse of visit visa holders, who were often promised residency and work permits after their tourist visas expired, sometimes without receiving payment for their work.

The case of South African expat Kieran Foury illustrates the dangers of working on a visit visa. After arriving in Dubai in December 2023, Foury was asked by a company to work until his visit visa expired, with promises of an employment visa that never materialized. Eventually, he was terminated and had to pay Dh5,500 in overstay fines before leaving.

The UAE government clearly prohibits working on visit or tourist visas, allowing employment only after an offer letter from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is issued. Legal experts advise employers against permitting visitors to work illegally, as the new laws impose severe penalties for non-compliance.

Hadiel Hussein, a senior associate at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, highlighted that the updated regulations create a stricter environment for employers, with increased fines serving as a significant deterrent. These changes offer better protection for employees and are expected to streamline legal processes by involving MOHRE in resolving disputes and small claims.