What is immigration fraud?
The Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners deals with it in two places: giving a false statement to evade the law (Article 23) and exploiting, assisting or facilitating a visa in a way that is inconsistent with the purpose for which it was granted (Article 27).
Typical situations are a false statement on an application, or using a visit visa to work, or helping someone else to do so.
What are the penalties?
For a false statement, imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, with deportation at the court's discretion (Article 23).
For misusing a visa, imprisonment or a fine of not less than AED 10,000, multiplied by the number of violators, and the court shall order the foreigner's deportation (Article 27).
Can a company or employer be liable?
Yes. Article 28 imposes a fine of not less than AED 50,000 on a legal person whose representatives, directors, agents or employees commit the crimes for it or in its name, and the court may order closure of the place of activity for up to six months.
Article 25 separately punishes employing, harbouring or housing a foreigner in violation of the law, with the fine multiplied by the number of violators.
What defences exist?
That the statement was true or an honest mistake, that you did not know the visa was being used for a prohibited purpose, or that you were not the person who facilitated it.
Because the offences turn on intent and purpose, the documents showing what you were told and what you did are the most important evidence.
What should I do first?
Preserve the application and correspondence
They show what was stated and by whom.
Do not alter or discard documents
That makes things worse.
Identify who prepared the paperwork
Agent, employer or sponsor.
Take advice before any interview
Statements are used later.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a false statement to immigration a crime?
Yes. Article 23 punishes a false statement made with the intent of evading the law.
What if I used a tourist visa to work?
Article 27 covers using a visa inconsistently with the purpose it was granted for, and the court shall order deportation. Take advice before you respond to any notice.
Can a company be fined?
Yes, Article 28 sets a fine of not less than AED 50,000 on a legal person, multiplied by the number of violations.
Is deportation mandatory?
For visa misuse under Article 27, yes. For a false statement under Article 23, the court may order it.
Related guides
Immigration & Visa Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewVisa Fraud
What the law says about forging or using a forged visa or residence permit, the penalty, and why deportation is not optional.
Read the guideVisa Overstay
What happens when a visa or residence permit ends and you are still in the UAE, how the fines work, and when it becomes a criminal matter.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 (Entry and Residence of Foreigners), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 16 September 2021. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.